Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third One-Day International to secure the three-match series 2-1. The victory matters because it capped a strong all-round performance against a major cricketing rival. The result boosts Pakistan’s confidence and rewards its bowlers and middle-order batters.
After winning the toss and batting first, Australia struggled against disciplined Pakistani bowling and were dismissed for 157 runs. Captain Josh Inglis top-scored with 65 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey contributed 19 runs each. Adam Zampa added 10 runs before Australia’s innings came to an end.
Read more: Pakistan bowl out Australia for 157
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated throughout the innings and prevented Australia from building meaningful partnerships. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the attack with three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets each. Haris Rauf also chipped in with a wicket as Pakistan maintained pressure from both ends.
In reply, Pakistan faced difficulties during the chase and lost wickets at regular intervals. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a cautious 40-run knock, while Maaz Sadaqat contributed 27 runs. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan remained within reach of the target through steady partnerships.
Read more: Australia beat Pakistan in second ODI to level series 1-1
The match was eventually sealed by Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan, who shared a crucial 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Pakistan reached the 158-run target in the 42nd over to complete the series victory. Pakistan had won the opening ODI by five wickets, while Australia levelled the series with a 41-run victory in the second match.