Shadab Khan starred with bat and ball as Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third ODI at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The victory sealed a 2-1 series win for the hosts and marked their third consecutive ODI series triumph over Australia.
Image: ESPNCricinfo
Chasing 158, Pakistan made an uneasy start. Sahibzada Farhan fell for six in the third over, while Maaz Sadaqat scored a brisk 27 before being trapped lbw by Matthew Short.
Babar Azam steadied the innings with a patient 40 from 84 balls. He added useful partnerships with Ghazi Ghori, Salman Ali Agha and Arafat Minhas. However, Pakistan slipped to 112/6 after losing Babar and Minhas in quick succession.
Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad then guided the chase with a composed unbeaten stand of 49 runs. Shadab finished on 29 not out, while Samad remained unbeaten on 18 as Pakistan reached the target in the 42nd over.
For Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann was the standout bowler. He claimed 3/38 from his 10 overs. Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw took one wicket each.
Earlier, Australia’s decision to bat first failed to deliver results. The visitors were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs after a disciplined display from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the second ball of the innings, dismissing Matthew Short for a duck. Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis rebuilt with a 46-run partnership before Labuschagne was run out by a direct hit from Arafat Minhas.
Inglis continued to fight and added 52 runs with Alex Carey. Carey scored 19 before falling to Haris Rauf. Inglis top-scored with 65 from 71 balls, hitting eight fours and a six.
Pakistan tightened their grip in the middle overs. Shaheen removed Inglis and Cameron Green in the same over, while Abrar Ahmed dismissed Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly.
Shadab Khan also made key breakthroughs, claiming two wickets late in the innings. Australia lost their final wickets quickly and were dismissed for a below-par total.
Shaheen led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3/30. Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets each, while Haris Rauf claimed one.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell. Arafat Minhas received the Player of the Series award after an impressive all-round performance throughout the series.
