Mohammad Rizwan has been rested from the third T20I against Australia, which is being played today (November 18). Salman Ali Agha will lead in his place.
Rizwan, who was named Pakistan's white-ball skipper after the place was left vacant following Babar Azam's resignation last month, had a fine start to his captaincy career. He guided the team to their first-ever ODI series win in Australia in 22 years. The wicketkeeper made 74 runs with the bat in two innings.
He also led Pakistan for the first two T20Is against Australia, played in Brisbane and Sydney. The hosts won both matches.
Rizwan was in the news during the second game for his inability to accelerate his innings after Australia posted 147-9 on the board. He struggled, making 16 in 26 balls at a strike rate of 61.54 at the top of the order. Usman Khan (52 in 38) and Irfan Khan (37 in 28) attempted to bring life into the run chase but they fell 13 runs short in the end.
Though there is no official confirmation on the reason behind Rizwan's absence yet, several Pakistan journalists have stated that he is being rested for the game.
Pakistan have named Agha, who has never led the national side before, as his replacement. Haseebullah replaces Rizwan in the XI for the final T20I, to be played in Hobart, while all-rounder Jahandad Khan will make his international debut as well.
Agha will be Pakistan’s fourth T20I skipper since the start of this year. Shaheen Afridi first led the team against New Zealand, before he was replaced by Babar Azam, who was reinstated once again. Azam resigned from his role last month. Rizwan then took over for the Australia series.
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