Pakistan crush Australia to seal ODI series victory in Lahore

LAHORE: The Pakistan national cricket team defeated the Australia national cricket team by four wickets in the third and final One-Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, clinching the three-match series 2-1.

Chasing a modest target of 158, Pakistan reached 161-6 in 41.5 overs with 49 balls remaining. Despite an early setback, the hosts regrouped well to complete the chase comfortably and secure the series victory.

Former captain Babar Azam led the batting effort with a steady 40 off 84 balls, while Shadab Khan contributed a valuable 29 off 42 deliveries. Maaz Sadaqat also chipped in with 27 runs as Pakistan rebuilt their innings after a shaky start.

Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs after opting to bat first. Josh Inglis top-scored with 65, while Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne added 19 runs each.

Pakistan’s bowling attack dominated proceedings, with Shaheen Shah Afridi starring with figures of 3-30. Abrar Ahmed took 2-19, while Shadab Khan also impressed with 2-28 to restrict Australia to a below-par total.

For Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann was the most successful bowler with 3-38, but his effort was not enough to prevent Pakistan from sealing the series win.

The victory gives Pakistan a 2-1 series triumph and a strong confidence boost ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed

Australia: Matt Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (c-wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Ollie Peake, Nathan Ellis, Cooper Connolly, Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnemann