Pakistan vs Australia 3rd ODI: Full Highlights - A Thrilling Encounter Ends in a Nail-Biting Finish
The third ODI between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire. The match witnessed explosive batting performances, tight bowling displays, and a nail-biting finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. Here's a full recap of all the highlights from this unforgettable clash:
Australia's Strong Start & Pakistan's Comeback
The Australian innings began with a bang as Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne put on a dominant 112-run partnership for the first wicket. Labuschagne looked in exceptional form, scoring a quickfire century and laying the foundation for a big total. However, Pakistan fought back brilliantly, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking a crucial wicket early and Haris Rauf providing a relentless spell of pace bowling. The Aussies were eventually bundled out for 269, with Shadab Khan picking up crucial wickets in the middle order.
Pakistan's Stuttering Chase & Babar Azam's Heroics
The chase began poorly for Pakistan as they lost early wickets and found themselves struggling at 100-4. However, captain Babar Azam stood tall, showcasing his class and temperament with a brilliant century. He anchored the innings, forming crucial partnerships with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan. The pressure mounted as the required run rate kept increasing, but Babar continued to fight relentlessly, keeping Pakistan in the hunt.
A Tense Finish & the Winning Run
The final few overs were a tense affair. With wickets falling around him, Babar continued to bat with great composure. As Pakistan needed 13 runs off the final over, it looked like the game was slipping away. However, Babar and Mohammad Nawaz managed to score enough runs to secure a narrow 3-wicket victory for Pakistan, leaving the crowd in a frenzy.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Travis Head's Explosive Start: Head's quickfire 53 set the tone for a strong Australian innings.
- Marnus Labuschagne's Century: Labuschagne's 100 runs off just 93 balls laid the foundation for a big total.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi's Early Breakthrough: Afridi's wicket of Head turned the tide in Pakistan's favor.
- Haris Rauf's Pace & Precision: Rauf's relentless spell kept the Australian batsmen under pressure.
- Shadab Khan's Crucial Wickets: Shadab's wickets in the middle order helped break the Australian momentum.
- Babar Azam's Heroic Century: Babar's 114 runs were instrumental in Pakistan's thrilling victory.
- A Nail-Biting Finish: The final few overs were tense and exciting, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Looking Ahead
This victory has given Pakistan a huge boost of confidence going into the final ODI. The series is now tied at 1-1, with the fourth and final match set to be a thrilling decider.
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