Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling display to dismiss Australia for 157 in the third and final One-Day International in Lahore on Thursday. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the attack with three wickets as the hosts gained a strong advantage in the series decider. The low total leaves Australia under pressure after choosing to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium.
Shaheen struck with the second ball of the match by removing Matthew Short and finished with figures of 3-30. His early breakthroughs set the tone for Pakistan’s bowling effort on a slow-paced surface. Australia struggled to build lasting partnerships despite brief resistance from the middle order. The hosts maintained pressure throughout the innings with tight lines and disciplined fielding.
Read more: Australia beat Pakistan in second ODI to level series 1-1
Josh Inglis provided the main challenge for Pakistan with a composed 65 off 71 deliveries. His innings included eight boundaries and one six and helped stabilize Australia after early setbacks. Inglis added valuable partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, who scored 19 runs each. However, the lack of support from the lower order prevented Australia from posting a competitive total.
Pakistan’s spin duo of Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan further tightened their grip on the contest. Abrar claimed 2-19, while Shadab returned figures of 2-28. The pair exploited the conditions effectively and triggered a batting collapse. Australia lost their final seven wickets for just 38 runs, while two run-outs compounded their problems.
Read more: Australia choose to bat in series-deciding Lahore ODI
The match serves as the deciding contest of the three-match series. Pakistan won the opening ODI in Rawalpindi by five wickets before Australia levelled the series with a 41-run victory in Lahore on Tuesday. With Australia restricted to 157, Pakistan now has a strong opportunity to secure the series and finish the campaign on a winning note.