In a stunning performance, Pakistan defeated Australia by eight wickets in the third and final ODI on Sunday, clinching their first 50-over series win on Australian soil since 2002. The Green Shirts chased down Australia’s modest target of 141 runs in just 26.5 overs, marking a momentous 2-1 series victory.
The series decider, held in Perth, showcased Pakistan’s lethal pace attack as they restricted Australia to a paltry 140 runs in 31.5 overs. Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the charge with three wickets each, tearing through the Australian top order. Haris Rauf, awarded Player of the Series for his exceptional 10-wicket haul across three matches, maintained the pressure, dismissing Glenn Maxwell for zero and ending with figures of 2-24.
Australian captain Josh Inglis, making his debut as skipper, struggled as he was dismissed for seven by Naseem Shah. A series of setbacks continued as seamer Mohammad Hasnain’s delivery forced Cooper Connolly to retire hurt after a blow to the hand. Sean Abbott provided the only resistance, top-scoring with 30 runs before Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the innings.
Pakistan’s reply was equally dominant. Openers Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) delivered an 84-run stand, setting the stage for a comfortable chase. Despite losing both openers to Lance Morris (2-24), Mohammad Rizwan (30*) and Babar Azam (28*) guided Pakistan to victory.
Rizwan, captaining Pakistan for the first time in an ODI series, called the win a “very special moment” and praised the collective efforts of the team. The fast bowlers were instrumental, and Rizwan credited openers Saim and Abdullah for setting the tone with solid starts in both the second and third ODIs.
