Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 as bowlers and batters shine in series decider

Pakistan beat Australia after crushing visitors in low-scoring final showdown. File photo

| Published June, 4 2026 | Updated

(Web Desk): Pakistan beat Australia in the third ODI to secure a 2-1 series victory after a dominant all-round performance.

Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the series-deciding match at Gaddafi Stadium. The hosts successfully chased a modest target to claim the ODI series in front of home fans.

Chasing 158 runs, Pakistan reached the target in the 42nd over with six wickets down. The batting side remained in control despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Babar Azam led the scoring with a valuable 40 runs. Moaz Sadaqat contributed 27 runs and helped stabilize the innings during the chase.

Salman Agha scored 15 runs before being dismissed. Arafat Minhas made 9 runs, Ghazi Ghori added 8, and Sahibzada Farhan returned to the pavilion after scoring 6.

Shadab Khan played an important unbeaten knock of 29 runs. Abdul Samad also remained not out on 18 and guided Pakistan to victory.

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Earlier, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. However, the decision failed to produce the desired result as the visitors struggled against Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Australia were bowled out for 157 runs in 42 overs and could not complete their full quota of 50 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers kept tight control throughout the innings and prevented any major partnerships.

Captain Josh Inglis was Australia’s top scorer with 65 runs. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey scored 19 runs each, while no other batter managed to reach double figures.

Adam Zampa made 10 runs for the visitors. Oliver Peake and Cameron Green scored 7 runs each, while Matt Renshaw added 4 and Cooper Connolly managed 3.

Nathan Ellis scored just 1 run and Matthew Short was dismissed without scoring. Australia’s batting lineup failed to recover after losing early wickets.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi starred with the ball and claimed three wickets. His disciplined spell put Australia under pressure from the beginning.

Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan picked up two wickets each. Haris Rauf also contributed with one wicket to complete a strong bowling performance.

The victory helped Pakistan win the three-match ODI series 2-1. The result also provided a major confidence boost for the team ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Pakistan’s bowlers laid the foundation for the series win by restricting Australia to a low total. Their disciplined approach never allowed the visitors to build momentum.

The batting unit then completed the job with a calm chase despite losing a few wickets. The performance showed good balance in the team and highlighted the impact of experienced players in crucial matches.