Pakistan Wins Toss and Bats First in Final T20 Against Australia

HOBART, Australia (AP) – In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match T20 series, Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss in the third and final game against Australia at Hobart on Monday. With the series already sealed in favor of the hosts, Pakistan aimed to finish on a high note by testing their bench strength and making key changes to the lineup.

Pakistan Wins Toss and Bats First in Final T20 Against Australia

Pakistan’s Changes: Fresh Faces and a New Leader

Pakistan’s regular captain, Mohammad Rizwan, was rested for this match, handing the reins to Salman Agha. The decision reflects Pakistan's strategy of providing valuable leadership experience to emerging players.

The batting lineup also saw changes as Haseebullah Khan made his way back into the team. Meanwhile, Babar Azam, one of the most consistent T20 players in world cricket, partnered with Sahibzada Farhan at the top of the order.

A significant debut marked the game as left-arm pacer Jahandad Khan replaced Naseem Shah in the playing XI, adding a fresh dynamic to Pakistan's bowling attack.

Australia Sticks to Winning Formula

Australia, having already secured the series with wins in the first two matches, stuck with their trusted playing XI. Their confidence in the squad is evident, particularly after Spencer Johnson's standout performance in the second T20, where his career-best figures of 5-26 steered the team to victory.

The hosts had earlier won a rain-affected opener in Brisbane by 29 runs and claimed a hard-fought 13-run win in the second game.

Recent Context: Pakistan’s ODI Triumph and T20 Struggles

Pakistan entered the T20 series riding high after clinching a 2-1 victory in the preceding ODI series. However, they struggled to carry that momentum into the shortest format, losing the first two games. With the final T20 offering a chance for redemption, the tourists are banking on their experienced players and young talents to step up.

Key Players to Watch

• Babar Azam: Returning to the top of the order, Babar is expected to anchor the innings and set the tone for Pakistan’s batting.
• Spencer Johnson: With 10 wickets in the series so far, the Australian pacer has been a revelation and will look to maintain his form.
• Jahandad Khan: On his debut, the young pacer has an opportunity to make a mark against a formidable Australian side.

Lineups

Australia

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (captain), Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.

Pakistan

Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha (captain), Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Final Thoughts

As Pakistan takes the field under new leadership, the focus will be on testing their depth and salvaging pride in the last match of the series. For Australia, it’s a chance to complete a clean sweep and build confidence ahead of future T20 engagements.

• Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting encounter between two cricketing powerhouses!