LAHORE: Pakistan completed a hat-trick of ODI series wins against world champions Australia, overcoming a middle-order blip to win the third ODI by four wickets and secure a 2-1 series victory at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-30), Abrar Ahmed (2-19), and Shadab Khan (2-28) combined to dismiss Australia for just 157 in 42 overs. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target with 8.1 overs to spare, despite collapsing from 41 for one down to 112 for six. Shadab Khan (29 not out) and Abdul Samad (18 not out) held their nerve, forging an unbroken 49-run stand for the seventh wicket to steer their side home.

Earlier in the day, after Haris Rauf reduced Australia to 98 for three by dismissing Alex Carey, a sensational collapse ensued. Shaheen, who had removed Matthew Short on the second ball of the match, returned to dismiss top-scorer Josh Inglis (65) and Cameron Green (7). Abrar and Shadab then easily dismantled the lower order, with Australia losing their final eight wickets for a mere 59 runs.

During the chase, Babar Azam anchored the innings with a patient 40 off 84 balls. Maaz Sadaqat (27) and Salman Ali Agha (15) provided valuable support before Matthew Kuhnemann (3-38) exploited the hosts’ vulnerability to left-arm spin, triggering a collapse that nearly derailed the innings. Ultimately, Shadab and Samad’s resilience proved decisive.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was adjudged Player of the Match for his blistering spells. All-rounder Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Series in his debut outing, having claimed seven wickets and contributed 60 crucial lower-order runs across the three matches.

The victory marks Pakistan’s third successive ODI series win against Australia, mirroring their 2-1 triumphs in March 2022 (home) and November 2024 (away). It is a stark reversal of fortunes from the September 2004 to March 2019 era, during which Australia dominated with six consecutive series wins.

The triumph also provides a much-needed reprieve for the Pakistan administration, which has faced mounting pressure following a disappointing 2026 T20 World Cup campaign and recent series losses to Bangladesh in both the ODIs and Tests. While the slow, turning tracks in Lahore drew some criticism for stifling traditional 50-over stroke play, the series win offers a positive diversion. Ultimately, the true test of Pakistan’s current strategy will come in their upcoming overseas Tests and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Australia will now travel to Bangladesh for an ODI series, while Pakistan’s next 50-over assignment is a home tri-nation series featuring England and Sri Lanka this October/November.

Scores in Brief:

3rd ODI – Pakistan beat Australia by four wickets (Lahore)

AUSTRALIA: 157 all out, 42 overs (Josh Inglis 65; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-30, Abrar Ahmed 2-19, Shadab Khan 2-28)

PAKISTAN: 161-6, 41.5 overs (Babar Azam 40, Shadab Khan 29 not out, Maaz Sadaqat 27, Abdul Samad 18 not out; Matthew Kuhnemann 3-38)