Pakistan likely to rest key players for the third T20I against Windies

Pakistan is finally enjoying some home advantage as they have crushed Windies in the first couple of T20 Internationals of the three-match series. Now that the series is in the bag it is likely that the hosts might think of tinkering with their line-up a little bit. The third and final T20I will be played on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Karachi which has enjoyed the presence of some international players over the last few days. However, the Men in Green would be aiming to clean sweep the visitors but by resting some of their key players.

The atmosphere has been electric in Karachi as international cricket returned to the city after a long gap of 9 years. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had arranged all their previous matches in Lahore as they continue to revive cricket in the country. While the first two matches have been arranged significantly well, the board would be keen on finishing the series well as the security forces continue to remain tight.

Will Shaheen Afridi debut?

Pakistan will most likely rest the likes of Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir who have been continuously playing since the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Usman Khan Shinwari is set to make his comeback in the final T20I against Windies as one of Rahat Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi would be taking the field on Tuesday. Given the preference of the skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible that the 19-year-old might make his first international appearance on the day.

“It’s being considered to rest Hassan Ali and Mohammad Aamir for the third T20I today. Usman Shinwari is going to make into final XI while either Rahat Ali or Shaheen Shah Afridi will make into the team as well,” the source was quoted as saying by Geo TV. While a win would strengthen there top position in ICC rankings, a loss at the hands of Windies in the last game will make Australia the top-ranked side T20I side in the world.

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