Pakistan defeat Australia to clinch ODI series 2-1

Pakistan secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final One-Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday to seal the three-match series 2-1, registering their third consecutive ODI series win over the six-time world champions.

All-rounder Shadab Khan played a decisive role with both bat and ball as Pakistan chased down a target of 158 in the 42nd over after overcoming a shaky start.

Pakistan's run chase began on an uncertain note when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for six in the third over with 27 runs on the board.

Maaz Sadaqat then added 14 runs with Babar Azam before falling leg-before-wicket to Matthew Short in the eighth over. The left-handed opener scored a brisk 27 off 26 deliveries, including five boundaries.

Babar Azam anchored the innings and stitched together useful partnerships with Ghazi Ghori, Salman Ali Agha and Arafat Minhas to keep Pakistan on course. However, the former captain was dismissed by Matthew Kuhnemann in the 30th over after scoring a patient 40 off 84 balls with three fours.

Pakistan slipped further into trouble when Arafat Minhas was caught at slip off Matt Renshaw for nine, leaving the hosts struggling at 112-6.

Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad then combined for an unbeaten 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket to guide Pakistan home.

Shadab remained unbeaten on 29 off 42 deliveries, while Abdul Samad contributed an unbeaten 18 from 30 balls as Pakistan completed the chase with four wickets in hand.

For Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann was the most successful bowler with figures of 3-38, while Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling display to dismiss Australia for 157 in 42 overs after the visitors opted to bat first.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the perfect start by removing opener Matthew Short for a duck with the second ball of the match.

Australia attempted to rebuild through Marnus Labuschagne and captain Josh Inglis, who added 46 runs for the second wicket before Labuschagne was run out for 19 following a direct hit from Arafat Minhas.

Inglis then shared a 52-run partnership with Alex Carey before Haris Rauf broke the stand by dismissing Carey for 19.

The turning point came in the 27th over when Shaheen dismissed both Inglis and Cameron Green in quick succession. Inglis top-scored for Australia with 65 off 71 balls, striking eight fours and a six.

Australia's lower order failed to offer significant resistance as Abrar Ahmed removed Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly, while Shadab Khan claimed two wickets, including Adam Zampa. Matthew Kuhnemann was run out as the visitors were bowled out for 157.

Shaheen led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3-30 in eight overs, while Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets each. Haris Rauf claimed one wicket.

The victory gave Pakistan a 2-1 series triumph and extended their impressive ODI record against Australia with a third successive bilateral series win.