Pakistan produced a spirited performance to secure a four-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium, sealing the three-match series 2-1. In a low-scoring thriller, an unbeaten partnership between Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad guided the hosts through a tense chase and helped them cross the finish line with 109 balls to spare.
After winning the toss, Australia captain Josh Inglis opted to bat first on a slow and two-paced surface. However, the visitors suffered an early setback when Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the second ball of the match, dismissing Matt Short for a golden duck.
Marnus Labuschagne (19) and Inglis attempted to rebuild with a 41-run partnership, but a mix-up between the two resulted in Labuschagne being run out by a direct hit. Inglis then fought a lone battle, scoring a gritty 65 off 71 deliveries, but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up.
Pakistan’s bowlers kept Australia under constant pressure throughout the innings. Abrar Ahmed (2/19) and Shadab Khan (2/28) tightened the screws in the middle overs, while Shaheen returned to clean up the tail and finished with impressive figures of 3/30. Australia were eventually bowled out for 157 in 42 overs.
Chasing 158, Pakistan looked well placed despite losing opener Sahibzada Farhan early to Nathan Ellis. Babar Azam (40) and Maaz Sadaqat (27) then steadied the innings and appeared to have put the hosts firmly in control.
However, Matthew Kuhnemann sparked a dramatic collapse with a superb spell of 3/38. The left-arm spinner removed key batters, including Babar Azam, who was bowled by a sharp delivery that crashed into the off stump. Pakistan suddenly found themselves in trouble at 112/6, still needing 46 runs with only the lower order remaining.
With the match hanging in the balance, Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad showed remarkable composure under pressure. The duo added an unbeaten 49-run stand, carefully rebuilding the innings while keeping the required runs in check.
Shadab mixed calmness with calculated aggression, remaining unbeaten on 29, while Abdul Samad provided excellent support with an unbeaten 18. With the scores level in the 42nd over, Shadab finished the chase in style by smashing Adam Zampa through the field for a boundary, sealing a memorable victory for Pakistan.
The win also marked Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series triumph over Australia by a 2-1 margin, further strengthening their impressive home record in Lahore.
