Pakistan Bowls Out Australia for 157 in ODI Series Decider

Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final One-Day International in Lahore, clinching the three-match series 2-1. The victory marks Pakistan's third consecutive ODI series victory over the world champions.

Chasing a modest target of 158, Pakistan overcame a mid-innings collapse that left them struggling at 112-6. An unbeaten 49-run partnership between Shadab Khan (29*) and Samad (18*) rescued the hosts and secured the series triumph. Earlier, former captain Babar Azam anchored the innings with 40 runs.

In response, Pakistan successfully chased the target of 158 in the 42nd over for the loss of six wickets, clinching the three-match series 2-1. Despite an early stumble, with opener Sahibzada Farhan departing for 6, a quick 27 from Moaz Sadaqat provided some momentum.

On a difficult pitch for batting, Babar Azam anchored the middle order with a patient 40 off 85 balls. After a late wobble saw Pakistan at 112-6, an unbeaten 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Shadab Khan (29*) and Abdul Samad (18*) guided the team to a series-clinching victory.

Spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi's 3-30, Pakistan's bowlers dismantled the Australian batting lineup on a slow-paced Gaddafi Stadium pitch. Afridi was well-supported by spinners Abrar Ahmed (2-19) and Shadab Khan (2-28).

After a couple of steady partnerships, Australia suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 38 runs, a slump that included two run-outs. The performance sets up a series decider, with Pakistan having won the first ODI in Rawalpindi and Australia taking the second in Lahore.