Pakistan produced a strong all-round performance as Pakistan beat Australia by four wickets in the third and final One-Day International to secure the three-match series 2-1.
The decisive match was played after both teams entered the contest with one win each. Pakistan had won the opening ODI, while Australia leveled the series with a victory in the second match. The final encounter therefore became a winner-takes-all contest.
After winning the toss, Australia elected to bat first. However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the visitors under pressure throughout the innings and prevented them from building substantial partnerships.
Australian captain Josh Inglis led the batting effort with a fighting knock of 65 runs. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey contributed 19 runs each. Spinner Adam Zampa added 10 runs before being dismissed.
Despite these efforts, Australia struggled against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. The visitors were restricted to a modest total of 157 runs, leaving Pakistan with a manageable target.
The reason Pakistan beat Australia was largely due to an outstanding bowling display. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front and claimed three important wickets. Spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan also played a key role by taking two wickets each.
Chasing 158 runs for victory, Pakistan approached the target with patience and control. Although Australia tried to create pressure with regular breakthroughs, the hosts remained focused on the chase.
Pakistan eventually reached the target in the 42nd over with four wickets remaining. The successful chase ensured that Pakistan beat Australia in the series decider and lifted the ODI trophy.
The victory was an important achievement for the national side as it demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure. Both the bowling unit and batting lineup contributed at crucial moments throughout the series.
Earlier in the series, Pakistan won the first ODI by five wickets before Australia responded with a 42-run win in the second match. The final result means Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 in the ODI series and finished the competition on a winning note.
The series triumph will provide confidence to Pakistan as the team continues its preparations for upcoming international assignments.
In other more about: Australia edge past Pakistan in 2nd T20I thriller by 14 runs
