Shadab Khan Guides Pakistan in Tense Run Chase
Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final ODI at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday to win the three-match series 2-1.
The victory was another major result for Pakistan in the format. It also marked their third consecutive ODI series win over Australia.
Chasing a modest target of 158, Pakistan faced early pressure. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for six in the third over.
Maaz Sadaqat then played a positive hand at the top. He scored 27 runs from 26 balls. His innings included five boundaries.
Babar Azam tried to steady the chase after the early setbacks. He built small but important partnerships with Ghazi Ghori, Salman Ali Agha, and Arafat Minhas.
Babar remained Pakistan’s top scorer with 40 from 84 balls. He hit three fours before falling to Matthew Kuhnemann in the 30th over.
Pakistan slipped to 112 for six after Arafat Minhas was dismissed for nine. Australia looked ready to take control.
But Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad held their nerve. The pair added an unbeaten 49-run stand for the seventh wicket.
Shadab finished not out on 29 from 42 balls. Samad scored 18 not out from 30 deliveries. Their calm approach took Pakistan home in the 42nd over.
Shaheen Afridi Leads Strong Bowling Display
Earlier, Australia captain Josh Inglis chose to bat first. The decision did not work as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings.
Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan the perfect start. He removed Matthew Short for a duck on the second ball of the match.
Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis tried to rebuild. They added 46 runs before Labuschagne was run out for 19.
Inglis then added 52 runs with Alex Carey. Carey scored 19 before Haris Rauf dismissed him in the 22nd over.
Shaheen struck again in the 27th over. He removed Inglis and Cameron Green in the same over to put Australia under serious pressure.
Inglis was Australia’s best batter. He scored 65 from 71 balls with eight fours and one six.
Australia Collapse as Pakistan Complete Series Win
Australia lost momentum after Inglis was dismissed. Abrar Ahmed removed Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly in quick succession.
Shadab Khan also ended his ODI wicket drought. He dismissed Oliver Peake and later bowled Adam Zampa.
Matthew Kuhnemann was run out in the 42nd over as Australia were bowled out for 157.
Shaheen finished with impressive figures of three wickets for 30 runs in eight overs. Shadab and Abrar took two wickets each. Haris Rauf claimed one wicket.
For Australia, Kuhnemann was the best bowler. He took three wickets for 38 runs in 10 overs.
Pakistan’s win showed strong character under pressure. Their bowlers set up the match, while Shadab and Samad completed the job with mature batting.
The result gave Pakistan another memorable ODI series victory over one of cricket’s strongest teams.
