LAHORE, Jun 05 (APP): Pakistan produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat Australia by four wickets in the third and final One-Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, clinching the three-match series 2-1.
The victory, achieved with four wickets and more than eight overs to spare, marked Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series win over Australia. A superb bowling display led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and a composed chase anchored by Babar Azam proved decisive, while an unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership between Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan guided the hosts safely home.
After winning the toss, Australia captain Josh Inglis opted to bat first, but the visitors struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs. Inglis top-scored with 65, while Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey contributed 19 runs each.
Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Matthew Short with only the second ball of the innings. Australia suffered another setback when Labuschagne was run out following a mix-up with Inglis. Carey’s dismissal at the hands of Haris Rauf left the visitors at 98 for three.
Shaheen then returned to remove both Inglis and Cameron Green in quick succession, reducing Australia to 120 for five. Abrar Ahmed further tightened Pakistan’s grip by dismissing Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly, while Shadab Khan accounted for Oliver Peake and Adam Zampa. Nathan Ellis was run out off the final ball of the innings as Australia were bundled out for 157.
Shaheen finished as Pakistan’s most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 30. Abrar Ahmed claimed 2 for 19, while Shadab Khan also picked up two wickets for 28 runs. Haris Rauf chipped in with one wicket.
Chasing a modest target of 158, Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan early when he was bowled by Nathan Ellis. Maaz Sadaqat responded positively with a brisk 27 off 26 balls, striking five boundaries before falling leg-before to Matthew Short.
Babar Azam then steadied the innings with a patient 40 off 84 deliveries, sharing useful partnerships with Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Salman Ali Agha. However, Pakistan’s chase encountered difficulties when Babar was dismissed by Matthew Kuhnemann in the 30th over, followed soon after by the departure of Arafat Minhas, leaving the home side at 112 for six.
With the match delicately poised, Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan combined for an unbeaten 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Shadab remained not out on 29 from 42 balls, while Samad contributed an unbeaten 18, ensuring Pakistan reached the target in 41.5 overs.
For Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 38.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell, while Arafat Minhas was adjudged Player of the Series.
Pakistan had earlier won the opening ODI by five wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before Australia levelled the series with a 41-run victory in the second match at Gaddafi Stadium. The hosts, however, bounced back strongly in the decider to secure a memorable series triumph.
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