Summary Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third ODI in Lahore to secure a 2-1 series victory after chasing 158 with 49 balls to spare.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan sealed the three-match One-Day International series against Australia with a convincing four-wicket victory in the third and final ODI at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, wrapping up the chase with 49 balls remaining to claim the series 2-1.
The match, which had initially been delayed by rain and strong winds, eventually produced a dominant display from Pakistan, who restricted Australia to 157 all out before reaching 161-6 in 41.5 overs.
Proceedings in Lahore were briefly disrupted before the toss due to adverse weather conditions. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first after play resumed, hoping to set a challenging total in the series decider.
With the series level at 1-1 following Pakistan’s five-wicket victory in the opening ODI and Australia’s 41-run win in the second match, the final encounter carried significant importance for both sides.
Pakistan’s bowlers made the most of favourable conditions, dismantling the Australian batting line-up for 157 in 42 overs.
Australia captain Josh Inglis top-scored with 65 from 71 deliveries, while Alex Carey contributed 19 from 32 balls and Marnus Labuschagne added 19 from 39 deliveries. No other batter managed to produce a substantial innings as Pakistan maintained control throughout the innings.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3-30 from eight overs. Abrar Ahmed provided crucial support with 2-19 in 10 overs, while Shadab Khan also claimed two wickets, finishing with 2-28 from nine overs.
Pakistan’s pursuit of 158 was not entirely straightforward, but key contributions from the middle order ensured the hosts crossed the line comfortably.
Babar Azam anchored the innings with 40 from 84 balls, providing stability after early setbacks. Shadab Khan played a vital supporting role with an unbeaten 29 from 42 deliveries, while Maaz Sadaqat added a valuable 27 from 26 balls as Pakistan steadily moved towards the target.
Australia’s bowlers struggled to make regular breakthroughs. Matthew Kuhnemann was the most successful, taking 3-38 from 10 overs. Matt Short claimed 1-23 from seven overs, while Matt Renshaw picked up 1-6 from three overs.
Pakistan eventually reached 161-6 in 41.5 overs, securing victory by four wickets and completing a 2-1 series triumph.
The result continues Pakistan’s strong record in ODI series deciders against Australia. It was the sixth occasion on which the teams met in a series-deciding final ODI, and Pakistan recorded their fifth victory in such encounters, capping off a successful campaign in Lahore.
