Pakistan’s bowlers shine, reducing Australia to 118/7 in series finale

PERTH: In the decisive third and last ODI of the series, Australia could manage to score only 118 runs for the loss of seven wickets while batting first against Pakistan in Perth.

Pakistan’s pace attack tore through Australia’s batting lineup, leaving the hosts struggling at 140 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 31.5 overs. One Australian player, sidelined by injury, could not return to bat.

The Australian openers attempted to start aggressively, but their momentum was halted when Jack Fraser-McGurk fell to Naseem Shah for just 7 runs with the score at 20. Aaron Hardie (12), captain Josh Inglis (7), Marcus Stoinis (8), Adam Zampa (13), and Glenn Maxwell (0) followed quickly. Opener Matt Short put up a resilient 22, while Cooper Connolly had to retire hurt after scoring 7, having been struck on the hand by a delivery.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah led with three wickets, Haris Rauf grabbed two, and Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with one each.

Also read: Pakistan eyes historic ODI series win against Australia

Earlier, Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to field, aiming to seal the series with a memorable win. “We’re looking to make this series unforgettable with a victory,” Rizwan said at the toss.

Australian captain Josh Inglis, also keen on a win, stated his side’s intention to secure the series. Australia made five changes to the lineup, bringing in Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Lance Morris, Sean Abbott, and Spencer Johnson.

Pakistan Squad

Captain Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain

Australia Squad

Captain Josh Inglis, Matt Short, Jack Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Lance Morris.