Pakistan’s potent pace attack once again overpowered Australia, overturning a 1-0 series deficit to claim a 2-1 victory. After Australia collapsed to 163 in the second ODI, their batting struggles continued in the deciding match, where they were bowled out for a mere 140. Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, shone with a solid partnership that propelled Pakistan to an eight-wicket win, marking their first ODI series victory in Australia in 22 years.
Put in to bat, Australia had a rocky start as Jake Fraser-McGurk’s disappointing form persisted, with the opener departing for just 7. Shaheen Afridi then dismissed Aaron Hardie, who failed to capitalize on his promotion to No. 3. Despite reaching 54/2 by the 10th over, Australia’s hopes were dashed when Naseem Shah removed Josh Inglis and Matthew Short fell attempting a big shot.
Further setbacks followed as Cooper Connolly retired hurt, and Glenn Maxwell recorded his second duck of the series under pressure from Haris Rauf. Australia’s batting continued to falter, with Marcus Stoinis struggling to an 8 off 25 balls. Sean Abbott and Adam Zampa managed to drag the score past 100, but Shaheen ended the innings swiftly, taking the final two wickets in quick succession, as Australia once again failed to play out their full 50 overs.
In contrast, Pakistan’s innings began confidently, echoing their performance in the second ODI. While Stoinis bowled tightly with the new ball, Shafique freed up with a six against Abbott, followed by another six from Ayub. The duo capitalized on Abbott’s loose bowling, amassing 47 runs in the first 10 overs.
Australia found a breakthrough when Lance Morris dismissed both openers in the same over, yet with Pakistan needing fewer than 60 runs, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan calmly finished the job with over 23 overs to spare, sealing a memorable series win.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 140 in 31.5 overs (Sean Abbott 30; Shaheen Afridi 3/32, Naseem Shah 3/54)
Pakistan: 143/2 in 26.5 overs (Saim Ayub 42, Abdullah Shafique 37; Lance Morris 2/24)
Result: Pakistan won by 8 wickets