Pakistan secured a memorable 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia after defeating the visitors by four wickets in the third and final ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium. Chasing a modest target of 158, the home side reached 161/6 in 41.5 overs, with Babar Azam anchoring the innings and Shadab Khan applying the finishing touches. Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, produced a disciplined performance to dismiss Australia for just 157 in 42 overs.
Shaheen Afridi dismantle Australian batting unit
After winning the toss, Australia chose to bat first, but the decision failed to pay off as Pakistan’s pace attack struck early. Afridi removed Matthew Short for a duck in the opening over and continued to trouble the Australian batting line-up throughout his spell.
Josh Inglis stood out as Australia’s best batter, scoring a fighting 65 off 71 deliveries, including eight boundaries and a six. He found some support from Marnus Labuschagne (19) and Alex Carey (19), but none of the Australian batters were able to build a substantial partnership.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure from both ends. Afridi finished with impressive figures of 3/30 from eight overs, while Abrar Ahmed tightened the screws in the middle overs with 2/19 from his full quota of ten overs. Shadab also chipped in with two wickets, helping restrict Australia to a below-par total.
The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals, with Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly and Ollie Peake all failing to make significant contributions. Australia’s lower order offered some resistance through Adam Zampa‘s 10 and Matthew Kuhnemann‘s 9, but the innings folded for 157.
Babar Azam anchors successful chase despite Australian fightback
Pakistan’s chase got off to a mixed start when Sahibzada Farhan departed for six. However, Maaz Sadaqat played positively, striking five boundaries in a brisk 27 off 26 balls to give the hosts early momentum.
Australia fought back through Kuhnemann, who emerged as the visitors’ most effective bowler. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets and kept Pakistan under pressure by removing key batters, including Babar eventually for a patient 40 off 84 deliveries. Babar’s innings may not have been flashy, but it provided the stability Pakistan needed in a tricky chase. He shared useful partnerships with Salman Agha and others to ensure the required run rate never became an issue.
With Pakistan still needing runs after losing six wickets, Shadab delivered a composed unbeaten 29 from 42 balls. Abdul Samad contributed 18 valuable runs before falling, while Shadab calmly guided the team home with 49 balls to spare.
The three-match series proved to be a competitive affair. Pakistan won the opening ODI by five wickets before Australia bounced back with a 41-run victory in the second match to level the series. The decider ultimately belonged to the hosts, who produced a complete team performance to seal the series 2-1. For his match-winning spell of 3/30 that set up Australia’s collapse, Afridi was named Player of the Match.
Pakistan won the 3rd ODI by 4 wickets and win the series 2-1 🙌#PAKvAUS #ShaheenShahAfridi #Cricket pic.twitter.com/qitarpghoc
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 5, 2026
