Pakistan dug in against Australia’s spin challenge on a tricky pitch to clinch a four-wicket win in the third and final ODI on Thursday, thereby wrapping up the series 2-1. The result marked a third straight bilateral one-day series success for Pakistan against the world champions.
In Lahore, Pakistan were set a modest 158 to win on a surface that offered grip and turn. The chase demanded patience and precision, with the hosts finally getting there at 161/6 in 41.5 overs. Shadab Khan provided the finishing touch as he stayed unbeaten on 29, having earlier picked up two wickets in Australia’s innings, while Abdul Samad remained not out on 18. Their steady, undefeated partnership carried Pakistan over the line after the team had slipped to 112/6.
“It was a complete team effort throughout the series,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said after ending with figures of 3-30. “The conditions were tough for the batters, but every run counted and all of our bowlers executed their plans well.”
Australia fold as Inglis battles on
Australia, who won the toss and chose to bat, were dismissed for 157 in 42 overs. It was Australia’s lowest ODI total on Pakistani soil. Josh Inglis stood out with a tough 65 off 71 balls, and he also combined effectively with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey for periods during the innings. However, once Australia lost momentum, the collapse proved decisive.
After reaching what looked like a workable stage, Australia lost their final seven wickets for only 38 runs as Pakistan’s pace and spin attack tightened the contest. Haris Rauf set the tone by removing Carey, and then Afridi struck twice in the same over with the new ball, sending back Inglis and Cameron Green. Abrar Ahmed produced a sharp spell to claim 2-19, while Shadab brought an end to a stretch without ODI wickets, finishing with 2-28.
Shadab and Samad close it out
Pakistan’s run chase was never smooth. Babar Azam made the biggest contribution with a composed 40 off 84 balls, but Matthew Kuhnemann—left-arm spinner—ended the innings for Babar by finding a delivery that turned enough to disturb the off stump. With Pakistan already six down and the match delicately poised, Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad steadied the ship on the difficult, abrasive track.
Australia couldn’t manufacture another breakthrough from there. Shadab then sealed the game in style, smashing Adam Zampa to the long-on boundary to ensure victory and complete Pakistan’s successful chase.
After the defeat, Australia captain Josh Inglis reflected on the margin, saying, “A bit like the first game, we were just too many runs short.”
