Predictions, XI, and the DLS Method

There is one final cricket match left to play in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI tour.

With the two squads locked in a stalemate, the third ODI will be the rubber match, the winner-take-all clash for this brief ODI tour. Pakistan was embarrassed in the opening match but then stormed back in the second, knocking off 274 runs. They impressively defeated their opponent by a significant 128 runs due to the DLS method.

Here are predictions for the final match, along with potential starting XIs for both squads and an explanation of what the DLS method actually is.

The third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in this tour will take place on March 15th, 2026. It will air at 1:45 PM IST, 1:15 PM PKT, and 2:15 AM MST.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI: Match Predictions

CricToday has made a big prediction regarding the final match of this Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI tour.

“The series decider between Bangladesh and Pakistan promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams tied 1-1,” writes the outlet. “Bangladesh will rely on their captain and key bowlers to set the tone early. Pakistan will aim to strike back and claim the series victory.

Cricket World has made its own predictions about the match. They are predicting Bangladesh to win the toss and the final ODI match of this tour. Additionally, they predicted Tanzid Hasan to win the Player of the Match award.

Given the large margins of victory for both teams in their respective wins, it should be a much closer match this go around.

Google has the win probability nearly down the middle. It has Pakistan edging out a victory, 58 percent to 42 percent.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Starting XIs

Here are the potential starting XIs for the third and final ODI match in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh series.

*Note: This will be updated with the confirmed XIs once they are confirmed for the match following the coin toss.

Pakistan Projected XI

Sahibzada Farhan

Maaz Sadaqat

Shamyl Hussain

Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)

Salman Agha

Abdus Salam

Ghazi Ghori

Faheem Ashraf

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain)

Mohammad Wasim

Haris Rauf

Bangladesh Projected XI

Saif Hassan/Soumya Sarkar

Tanzid Hasan

Towhid Hridoy

Najmul Hossain Shanto

Litton Das (Wicketkeeper)

Afif Hossain

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain)

Rishad Hossain

Taskin Ahmed

Nahid Rana

Mustafizur Rahman

What is the DLS Method?

The last match between these two squads was decided by the Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) method. In this match, the DLS method was used to determine Bangladesh’s final score after play was stopped due to the weather.

The purpose of the DLS method is to determine a fair score for the chasing team.

There is a published chart that shows a breakdown, with the vertical axis displaying the overs. Additionally, the horizontal axis shows the wickets.

As an example, if there were 50 overs remaining and zero wickets taken, that team would be awarded 100 runs. Additionally, if there were 25 overs left with four wickets taken, that team would be awarded 50 runs.

However, it is the hope of both Pakistani and Bangladeshi fans that the DLS method won’t be used in the third and final ODI match between these two squads.

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