Bangladesh vs Pakistan 3rd ODI Preview
The Bangladesh vs Pakistan 3rd ODI will decide the series after the teams shared the first two matches, with both contests turning out to be one-sided affairs.
With the series tied 1-1, the final ODI could come down to which batting unit performs better on Sunday. However, the weather could again play a decisive role after thunderstorms interrupted the previous match.
The matches so far have been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, where the pitch has offered proper bounce for fast bowlers without excessive assistance for spin.
Fast bowlers have extracted movement by hitting the deck hard, while batters willing to play their shots have also found scoring opportunities.
Pakistan took full advantage of the conditions in the second ODI when Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan produced a 103-run opening partnership.
That stand laid the foundation for Pakistan’s strong total, with Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan also contributing in the middle overs.
Bangladesh, however, failed to mount a response and suffered a heavy 128-run defeat.
Bangladesh batting concerns
The defeat exposed several issues in Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Only Litton Das looked comfortable during the chase, playing aggressively, but his effort alone was not enough.
Saif Hassan has registered two low scores at the top of the order. While his approach may suit T20 cricket, the longer format demands greater technical solidity.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy will also need to provide stability in the middle order, while the lack of batting contribution from Rishad Hossain has highlighted Bangladesh’s shortage of a genuine all-rounder.
Pakistan find rhythm
For Pakistan, the second ODI marked a significant improvement after they were bowled out for 114 in the series opener.
Their bowling unit also performed strongly, with Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim combining effectively and showing better discipline than in the first ODI.
The key question heading into the decider is which batting lineup will deliver. Pakistan were dismissed for 114 in the first ODI, while Bangladesh suffered the same fate in the second.
Another subplot could also emerge following the on-field incident between Salman Agha and Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the previous match.
Players in the spotlight
Rishad Hossain impressed with the ball in the second ODI, taking three wickets during Pakistan’s late collapse by mixing his legspin, googly and variations in pace.
However, his batting has not progressed as expected since his breakout performance against Sri Lanka two years ago.
Maaz Sadaqat was the standout performer in the previous game, scoring 75 in just his second ODI before also claiming three wickets.
He displayed a wide range of shots, particularly strong hits down the ground and flicks to deep square-leg against pace bowling.
Sadaqat’s bowling also remains a valuable asset, often dipping the ball into right-handed batters before turning it away or skidding it back in.
Team news
Bangladesh could make a change in the batting order.
Soumya Sarkar may replace Saif Hassan, while Shoriful Islam could be considered if the hosts rotate their fast bowlers.
Bangladesh (probable): Saif Hassan/Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan may need to replace the injured Hussain Talat, with newcomer Ghazi Ghori expected to come into the lineup.
Pakistan (probable): Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Abdus Salam, Ghazi Ghori, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.
Pitch and weather conditions
The Shere Bangla National Stadium surface has produced relatively balanced conditions in the first two ODIs.
The pitch has offered bounce for seamers without excessive spin for the slower bowlers.
Bangladesh may consider preparing a more spin-friendly surface after the heavy defeat, although they could also continue with the flat and bouncy tracks used so far.
Weather may again become a factor, with forecasts suggesting the possibility of another thunderstorm similar to the one that delayed the second ODI.
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