Pakistan Opt to Bat First in Tri-series Final Against Afghanistan

The final promises fireworks after both sides enjoyed one win each in the group stage. Pakistan began the series on a positive note with a convincing 39-run win over Afghanistan, and this was through the power of explosive batting. But Afghanistan struck back with a vengeance as they won game two by a margin of 19 by maintaining a tight bowling game that evened the playing field.

With the title on the line, both teams have named balanced XIs. Pakistan’s lineup includes big hitters like Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, along with seasoned bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz. Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, while Mohammad Haris takes up wicketkeeping duties.

Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, will once again rely on Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting and the spin duo of Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi to tilt the contest in their favor. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s pace adds another weapon to their bowling arsenal.

Playing XIs:

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz

Head-to-Head Record:

The two sides have met nine times in T20 internationals, with Pakistan holding a slim advantage of five wins to Afghanistan’s four. Today’s final could either extend Pakistan’s lead or bring Afghanistan level in this gripping rivalry.