Pakistan Crush Australia to Clinch ODI Series

Batting was far from easy on a spin-friendly surface, but Pakistan successfully overcame the challenge. The hosts defeated Australia by four wickets in the series-deciding third ODI in Lahore to secure the three-match series 2-1.

Australia were bowled out for just 157 in 42 overs after opting to bat first in a low-scoring contest. Pakistan also faced difficulties during the chase but eventually reached 161-6 in 41.5 overs to seal the victory.

Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 40 runs. However, when he was clean bowled by Matthew Kuhnemann in the 30th over, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 112-6. Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad then steadied the innings with a composed partnership. Shadab remained unbeaten on 29, while Samad finished not out on 18 as the pair guided Pakistan home. Shadab completed the chase in style by striking Adam Zampa to the long-on boundary for the winning runs.

Earlier, Australia captain Josh Inglis won the toss and elected to bat. He played a fighting knock of 65 from 71 deliveries, but received little support from the rest of the batting lineup. Apart from Inglis, no Australian batter managed to score more than 19 runs.

Pakistan’s bowlers took control during the middle overs as Australia’s innings collapsed dramatically. Haris Rauf triggered the slide by dismissing Alex Carey, before captain Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the old ball. Afridi removed both Inglis and Cameron Green in the same over to put Australia under severe pressure.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed also played a key role on the sluggish surface. The Australian batters struggled to cope with his variations, and Cooper Connolly, who came into the side for the series decider, was among his victims. Shadab Khan later dismissed Oliver Peake and Adam Zampa as Australia’s lower order folded quickly. The innings finally ended when last man Nathan Ellis was run out.

Afridi was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with three wickets, while Abrar claimed two. Shadab also picked up two wickets to cap an impressive all-round performance, which ultimately proved crucial in Pakistan’s series-clinching victory.