Pakistan down Australia to lift ODI Series trophy
LAHORE: All-round Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final ODI on Thursday night at packed Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, clinching the three-match series 2-1 and registering their third consecutive ODI series victory over the world champions.
Chasing a modest target of 158, Pakistan appeared firmly in control before a sudden collapse left them struggling at 112-6. With Australia sensing an opportunity to force their way back into the contest, Shadab and Samad rose to the occasion.
Their unbeaten 49-run partnership not only rescued Pakistan from a difficult situation but also ensured a memorable series triumph. Shadab remained unbeaten on 29 off 42 balls, while Samad contributed an unbeaten 18 off 30 balls.
Earlier, Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start with Sahibzada Farhan departing cheaply. Maaz Sadaqat played a positive knock of 27, while former captain Babar Azam anchored the innings with a cautious 40. However, regular wickets prevented Pakistan from establishing complete control, setting the stage for the match-winning partnership between Shadab and Samad.
Australia’s innings never truly gained momentum after captain Josh Inglis elected to bat first. Shaheen Afridi struck with the second ball of the match, dismissing Matthew Short for a duck and immediately placing the visitors on the back foot.
Inglis fought bravely with a well-crafted 65 off 71 deliveries and shared useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack consistently applied pressure.
Haris Rauf removed Carey before Shaheen returned to dismiss both Inglis and Cameron Green in the same spell. Abrar Ahmed then tightened Pakistan’s grip on the match with successive strikes, removing Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly, while Shadab Khan capped off an impressive all-round display by claiming two late wickets. Australia were eventually bundled out for 157 in 42 overs.
Shaheen was Pakistan’s standout bowler with outstanding figures of 3-30, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets apiece and Haris Rauf chipped in with one wicket.
