Web Desk: Pakistan has won the match and clinched a historic One Day International series victory on Australian soil after successfully chasing down a modest target in the decisive final encounter.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led a disciplined bowling attack earlier in the day to bowl Australia out for 157 runs before Pakistan established a commanding position in the series-deciding third One Day International.
Australian captain Josh Inglis won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the decision backfired as the visitors dismantled the home team’s batting lineup in 42 overs.
Inglis fought back with a resilient knock of 65 runs, but he found little support from his teammates. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey each scored 19 runs, while spinner Adam Zampa managed only 10 runs before losing his wicket.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained continuous pressure throughout the first innings. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets. Meanwhile, spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan provided excellent support by picking up two wickets apiece to curtail Australia’s lower-middle order.
The three-match series stood level at 1-1 heading into the finale. Pakistan won the opening encounter by five wickets, but Australia bounced back in the second match to secure a 42-run victory.
Pakistan successfully completed the run chase by scoring 161 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 41.5 overs.
While the top order set a solid foundation earlier in the innings, the lower-middle order safely guided the team across the finish line. Shadab Khan anchored the final stretch, remaining unbeaten with a crucial 29 runs off 42 balls. He found reliable support from Abdul Samad, who stayed not out on 18 runs off 30 balls to close out the match.
On the bowling side for Australia, Nathan Ellis finished his spell with figures of 1/40 in 9 overs, while Adam Zampa went wicketless, conceding 38 runs in his 9.5 overs as Pakistan finished with a current run rate of 3.85 to seal the 2-1 series win.
Read more: Pakistan won by 5 wickets in first ODI
