(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Clinch ODI Series 2-1 With Four-Wicket Win Over Australia
Pakistan secured a 2-1 series victory over Australia after defeating the visitors by four wickets in the third and final One Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 158, Pakistan reached the total in the 42nd over, sealing their third consecutive ODI win against the six-time world champions.
Shadab Khan played a key role in the victory with an all-round performance, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs and later contributing an unbeaten 29 runs to guide Pakistan through a tense finish.
Pakistan’s chase began on a shaky note with the early dismissal of Sahibzada Farhan. Maaz Sadaqat provided a brief attacking start before being dismissed for 27 off 26 balls. Babar Azam then anchored the innings, scoring a composed 40 off 84 balls and building partnerships with the middle order.
However, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 112 for 6, putting pressure on the lower order.
Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan then stabilized the innings with an unbeaten 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Samad scored 18 not out, while Shadab finished unbeaten on 29 to take Pakistan across the finish line.
Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 157 after electing to bat first. Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan an early breakthrough, while Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed also contributed with two wickets each. Haris Rauf added one wicket.
Australia’s innings was anchored by Josh Inglis, who top-scored with a gritty 65 runs, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Matthew Kuhnemann was the standout bowler for Australia with three wickets, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan’s series defeat.
With this win, Pakistan wrapped up the three-match series 2-1 and continued their strong run in ODI cricket against Australia.
