Pakistan vs Australia 3rd T20I: Predicted Playing XI and Team News
The series is in the bag, the trophy is secured, but the job is far from over.
Leading the series 2-0, Pakistan heads into the third and final T20I against Australia with a rare opportunity: a “Whitewash”. After a dominant 90-run victory in the second game, the momentum is firmly with the hosts. However, with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 starting in just a few days, the team management faces a dilemma.
Do they stick with the winning combination to crush Australia’s morale completely? Or do they rotate the squad to test the bench strength before the big tournament?
Here is our in-depth analysis of the team news and the Predicted Playing XI for the final showdown.
Pakistan Team News: The “Whitewash” Dilemma
Captain Salman Ali Agha is currently the man with the Midas touch. His blistering half-century in the 2nd T20I set the tone for Pakistan’s highest-ever T20 total against Australia.
Batting:
The top order is firing. Usman Khan, who played a “well-compiled half-century” in the last game, has cemented his spot. It is unlikely Pakistan will tinker with the core batting unit, as consistency is key heading into a World Cup.
Bowling:
This is where changes might happen. The spinners “ran through Australia” in the 2nd T20I, bundling them out for 108. With the pitch likely to offer turn again, Pakistan might rest a fast bowler to give a reserve spinner or an all-rounder some game time. However, the temptation to humiliate Australia 3-0 might keep the main attack on the field.
Pakistan Predicted XI (Likely)
| Role | Player Name | Notes |
| Opener | Saim Ayub (Likely) | Aggressive start required. |
| Opener | Babar Azam / Reserve | Rotation Risk – might rest senior pros? |
| Top Order | Usman Khan | In Form: Scored 50 in 2nd T20I. |
| Captain/Mid | Salman Ali Agha (c) | In Form: Scored 50 in 2nd T20I. |
| Middle Order | Irfan Khan / Shadab | Finisher role. |
| Wicketkeeper | Mohammad Haris / Rizwan | Likely to retain main keeper. |
| Spinner | Arafat Minhas / Imad | Spin was key in 2nd T20I. |
| Spinner | Sufiyan Muqeem | The “Web Spinner”. |
| Pacer | Shaheen Afridi | Strike bowler. |
| Pacer | Naseem Shah | Pace spearhead. |
| Pacer | Haris Rauf | Death overs specialist. |
Note: While the exact XI is unconfirmed, Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan are the first names on the team sheet after their match-winning performances.
Australia Team News: Desperate Measures
For Australia, this match is about survival. Being bundled out for 108 chasing a huge total exposed glaring weaknesses in their batting against spin.
The Problem:
Their middle order collapsed spectacularly. The Australian management might look to bring in a “spin specialist” or an extra batting all-rounder to lengthen the tail.
The Bowling:
Conceding a record total to Pakistan suggests their plans failed. They might rotate their pace attack, perhaps bringing in a slower-ball specialist to cope with the subcontinent conditions.
Australia Predicted XI (Likely)
| Role | Player Name | Notes |
| Opener | Travis Head | Needs to fire. |
| Opener | Jake Fraser-McGurk | Aggressive option. |
| Captain | Mitchell Marsh | Under pressure to lead. |
| Middle Order | Josh Inglis (wk) | Key vs Spin. |
| Middle Order | Glenn Maxwell | The “X-Factor” (Must perform). |
| All-Rounder | Marcus Stoinis | Balance player. |
| Spinner | Adam Zampa | Their best bowler. |
| Pacer | Pat Cummins | Leader of the pack. |
| Pacer | Mitchell Starc | New ball threat. |
| Pacer | Spencer Johnson | Left-arm angle. |
| Spinner | Tanveer Sangha | Possible Change: Might play 2 spinners? |
Key Battles to Watch
The match will be decided by specific individual contests.
Table 2: The Decisive Match-ups
| Battle | Context |
| Salman Ali Agha vs Adam Zampa | The in-form Pakistani captain vs Australia’s best spinner. Salman won this battle in the last game. |
| Shaheen Afridi vs Travis Head | New ball swing vs aggressive opening. The first over often decides the chase. |
| Usman Khan vs Pat Cummins | Can the technically sound Usman handle the raw pace and bounce of the Aussie skipper? |
Pitch & Conditions Report
The match is being played at the same venue where Pakistan spinners dominated.
- The Surface: Expected to be dry and slow.
- The Strategy: Win the toss, bat first, and put 180+ on the board.
- The Stat: Pakistan defended successfully by 90 runs last time. Chasing will be difficult as the pitch deteriorates.
Editorial Verdict: Who Has the Edge?
Pakistan is playing like a well-oiled machine. The combination of Salman Ali Agha’s leadership and the spin department’s dominance makes them heavy favorites.
Australia looks disjointed and mentally fatigued. Unless they pull a rabbit out of the hat (like a Maxwell special), a 3-0 Whitewash seems inevitable.
Catch the toss at 7:00 PM PST to see the final teams!
