Pakistan Clinch ODI Series with Gritty Low-Scoring Victory Over Australia
Pakistan secured the ODI series with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Australia in the decisive third match, successfully chasing a modest target of 158 in a tense contest. Despite a spirited bowling performance from Matthew Kuhnemann, Pakistan held their nerve, with Babar Azam anchoring the innings before Shadab Khan guided the hosts across the finish line.
The victory completed a strong comeback for Pakistan after Australia had levelled the series with a convincing win in the second ODI.
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Pakistan Seal Series After Restricting Australia to 157
Australia captain Josh Inglis elected to bat first after the visitors successfully defended 231 in the previous ODI. However, the decision failed to produce the desired outcome as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated throughout the innings.
The visitors suffered an early setback when Matthew Short fell in the opening over to Shaheen Afridi. Inglis then combined with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey in two useful partnerships that briefly steadied the innings.
Inglis was Australia’s standout performer, scoring a composed 65 from 71 deliveries. Labuschagne and Carey each contributed 19 runs, but no other batter managed to provide meaningful support.
Once Inglis departed, Australia’s innings unravelled dramatically. From a relatively stable position of 119/3, they collapsed to 157 all out, losing their final seven wickets for just 37 runs.
Pakistan’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings:
- Shaheen Afridi: 3/30
- Abrar Ahmed: 2/19
- Shadab Khan: 2/28
Abrar was particularly impressive, conceding only 19 runs from his full quota of 10 overs while consistently troubling Australia’s middle order with his variations and control.
Babar Azam Anchors Pakistan’s Chase
Chasing 158, Pakistan made an aggressive start through Maaz Sadaqat, who struck four boundaries during a lively knock of 27 from 26 balls.
Nathan Ellis provided Australia with an early breakthrough by dismissing Sahibzada Farhan, but Pakistan maintained positive momentum during the Powerplay.
While wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, Babar Azam played the crucial role of stabilizer. The former captain scored a patient 40 off 84 deliveries, absorbing pressure and ensuring Pakistan remained on course despite Australia’s disciplined bowling.
Kuhnemann Sparks Australian Fightback
Australia’s hopes were revived by an outstanding spell from left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.
The spinner consistently extracted turn and bounce from the surface and delivered three important breakthroughs:
- Ghazi Ghori
- Salman Agha
- Babar Azam
Kuhnemann finished with figures of 3/38 and nearly engineered another remarkable Australian defence of a low total.
Matt Renshaw added to Pakistan’s nerves by dismissing Arafat Minhas, leaving the hosts at 119/5 and briefly opening the door for an unlikely comeback.
Shadab Khan Finishes the Job
With the match hanging in the balance, Shadab Khan once again demonstrated his value as an all-round performer.
The vice-captain remained unbeaten on 29 from 42 deliveries and shared an important partnership with Abdul Samad, who contributed 18 not out.
The pair guided Pakistan safely to 161/6 in 41.5 overs, sealing the series and capping off a strong team performance.
Match Summary
Australia – 157 all out (42 overs)
- Josh Inglis 65
- Marnus Labuschagne 19
- Alex Carey 19
Pakistan Bowling
- Shaheen Afridi 3/30
- Abrar Ahmed 2/19
- Shadab Khan 2/28
Pakistan – 161/6 (41.5 overs)
- Babar Azam 40
- Shadab Khan 29*
- Abdul Samad 18*
Australia Bowling
- Matthew Kuhnemann 3/38
- Nathan Ellis 1 wicket
- Matt Renshaw 1 wicket
Result: Pakistan won by 4 wickets and clinched the ODI series.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s bowling attack once again laid the foundation for victory by dismissing Australia for just 157.
- Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed were instrumental in triggering Australia’s collapse.
- Babar Azam produced a mature innings under pressure to anchor the chase.
- Matthew Kuhnemann’s excellent spell kept Australia in contention until the closing stages.
- Shadab Khan contributed with both bat and ball, playing a decisive role in Pakistan’s series-winning performance.