Pakistan’s off-spinner Usman Tariq is set to make his T20I debut in the third and final match against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium. Series tied 1-1.
Lahore: Usman Tariq to Make Pakistan T20I Debut Against South Africa
Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq is all set to make his international T20I debut in the highly anticipated third and final match of the ongoing home series against South Africa on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The decider comes with the series level at 1-1, making Tariq’s debut even more crucial for Pakistan.
The 27-year-old right-arm off-spinner has impressed fans and selectors alike with his performances in 36 T20 matches, where he has picked up 54 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 18.07. Tariq has been named in the playing XI in place of Abrar Ahmed, who, along with Naseem Shah, has been “rested” for the series finale against the Proteas.
Before the start of the match, Tariq was formally presented with Pakistan T20I cap No. 124 by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi during the team huddle — a proud moment for the debutant as he prepared to take the field for his first international T20 match.
Usman Tariq’s Road to International Debut
Tariq earned his maiden call-up to the Pakistan T20I squad after a breakout performance in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). He finished the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 20 wickets, just behind veteran Imran Tahir’s 23. Tariq’s impressive performance helped TKR secure the CPL title, marking him as a rising star in world T20 cricket.
The off-spinner’s ability to bowl tight lines and take crucial wickets in the middle overs has been highlighted as a major factor behind his selection for the high-stakes T20I decider. Cricket analysts predict that Tariq’s inclusion could provide Pakistan with the balance they need in the bowling attack.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for Third T20I
Pakistan have announced the following squad for the final T20I against South Africa:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
The match is expected to be competitive, with both teams having one win each in the first two matches.
Series Recap: Exciting First Two T20Is
The first T20I in Rawalpindi saw South Africa dominate Pakistan by 55 runs, bowling the hosts out for a modest 139 while defending a target of 195. However, Pakistan bounced back in the second match, restricting the Proteas to just 110 runs in 19.2 overs and chasing down the target with nine wickets to spare.
With the series now tied, the third T20I promises to be an exciting decider, not only for Pakistan but also for fans hoping to witness a thrilling contest at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Why Tariq’s Debut Matters
Usman Tariq’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Pakistan’s spin attack in T20 cricket. Analysts believe that his ability to bowl tight middle-over spells, coupled with his recent form in the CPL, could be decisive in curbing South Africa’s batting line-up.
Tariq’s performance will also be under scrutiny as Pakistan aims to rebuild its T20 strategy, focusing on a mix of experienced campaigners like Babar Azam and emerging talents such as Tariq himself.
FAQs
Q1: When is Usman Tariq making his T20I debut?
A1: Usman Tariq is set to make his debut on Saturday in the third and final T20I against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Q2: How did Usman Tariq perform in the CPL 2025?
A2: Tariq took 20 wickets for Trinbago Knight Riders, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, helping his team win the CPL title.
Q3: What is Pakistan’s squad for the decider match?
A3: The playing XI includes Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, and others.
Q4: What is the current series status?
A4: The T20I series is tied 1-1, making the third match the decider.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s third T20I clash with South Africa is not just a series decider but also a chance for emerging talents like Usman Tariq to make a mark on the international stage. With both teams showing resilience and competitive spirit, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high-intensity cricket and strategic gameplay. Tariq’s debut could well be the game-changer Pakistan needs to clinch the series.