Pakistan Triumphs in Thrilling 3rd ODI Against Australia: Live Score and Highlights
The third and final One Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was a nail-biting encounter that saw Pakistan emerge victorious in a thrilling finish. The Green Shirts, fueled by a strong batting performance and a disciplined bowling effort, secured a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep, cementing their dominance over the Aussies.
Pakistan Batting Dominance Sets the Tone
Pakistan's innings were a testament to their batting prowess. Imam-ul-Haq, the tournament's leading run-scorer, continued his stellar form, smashing a brilliant 113 runs off 125 balls. His innings were instrumental in laying a strong foundation for Pakistan's chase. The explosive Babar Azam also played a crucial role, scoring a fluent 90 runs off 105 balls. Fakhar Zaman added a valuable 49 runs, ensuring Pakistan amassed a formidable total of 348/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Australia's Stuttering Chase
The Australian chase started promisingly with a quickfire half-century from Travis Head, who scored 61 runs off 57 balls. However, Pakistan's bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings, consistently picking up wickets. The experienced Shaheen Shah Afridi was once again exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for 41 runs. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. also contributed significantly to the bowling effort, restricting Australia's scoring rate and ultimately stifling their chase.
A Nail-Biting Finish
With Australia needing 14 runs off the final over, the match was poised for a dramatic finish. Haris Rauf, the Pakistani fast bowler, maintained his cool under pressure, conceding only 6 runs in the last over. The final wicket fell on the penultimate ball, securing a 5-wicket victory for Pakistan and wrapping up a clean sweep of the series.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's batting depth and consistency were on full display, with contributions from the entire batting line-up.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi continued his impressive run, proving his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs.
- The victory reinforces Pakistan's dominance in the ODI format, highlighting their potential in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.
This series was a captivating spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. Pakistan's triumphant performance against a formidable Australian side has solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
Live Score:
- Pakistan: 348/8 (50 overs)
- Australia: 343/9 (50 overs)
Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets.
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