Pakistan Seals 2-1 ODI Series Victory Over Australia with Four-Wicket Win

Pakistan overcame a stern challenge from Australia's spinners on a difficult surface to secure a four-wicket victory in the third and final ODI and seal the series 2-1 on Thursday, marking their third successive bilateral one-day series triumph over the world champions. Chasing a modest target of 158 on a turning wicket in Lahore, Pakistan were made to work hard before reaching 161/6 in 41.5 overs. All-rounder Shadab Khan starred with an unbeaten 29 after earlier taking two wickets, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 18 as the pair guided the hosts home with an unbroken stand after Pakistan had slipped to 112/6. “It was a complete team effort throughout the series,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said after finishing with figures of 3-30. “The conditions were tough for the batters, but every run counted and all of our bowlers executed their plans well.” Australia, who won the toss and opted to bat, were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs — their lowest ODI total in Pakistan. Josh Inglis fought a lone battle with a gritty 65 off 71 balls and shared useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but the visitors suffered another dramatic collapse. After reaching a relatively comfortable position, Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 38 runs as Pakistan's pace and spin attack tightened the screws. Haris Rauf triggered the slide by dismissing Carey before Afridi struck twice in one over with the old ball, removing Inglis and Cameron Green. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed 2-19, while Shadab ended a run of five wicketless ODIs with figures of 2-28. Pakistan's chase was also far from straightforward. Babar Azam top-scored with a patient 40 off 84 deliveries before left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who finished with 3-38, cleaned him up with a delivery that spun sharply to hit the off stump. With Pakistan six down and the match finely balanced, Shadab and Samad showed remarkable composure on the abrasive surface. Australia failed to find another breakthrough and Shadab eventually sealed victory in style by smashing Adam Zampa to the long-on boundary. “A bit like the first game, we were just too many runs short,” Australian captain Josh Inglis admitted after the defeat.