World champions outplayed: Pakistan seal memorable ODI series win over Australia

Pakistani Shadab Khan (Photo AP) Pakistan overcame a stiff challenge from Australia’s spinners on a difficult surface to secure a four-wicket victory in the third and final ODI to clinch the series 2-1 on Thursday, registering their third successive bilateral one-day series triumph over the world champions.Chasing a modest target of 158 on a revolving wicket in Lahore, Pakistan had to work hard to reach 161/6 in 41.5 overs. All-rounder Shadab Khan shone with an unbeaten 29 after taking two wickets earlier, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 18 as the pair guided the hosts home with their attitude intact after Pakistan slumped to 112/6.“It was a complete team effort in the whole series,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said after finishing with figures of 3-30. “The conditions were tough for the batsmen but every run counted and all our bowlers executed their plans well.Australia collapsed despite Inglis’ oppositionAustralia, who won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs – their lowest ODI total in Pakistan. Josh Inglis fought a lone battle with a gritty 65 off 71 balls, sharing useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but the visitors suffered another dramatic collapse.After reaching a relatively comfortable position, Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 38 runs as Pakistan’s pace and spin attack tightened the screws.Haris Rauf started the slide by dismissing Carey before Afridi struck twice in one over the old ball to remove Inglis and Cameron Green. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed took 2-19 while Shadab ended his five-ODI wicketless streak with figures of 2-28.

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Shadab and Samad finish the jobPakistan’s chase was also far from straightforward. Babar Azam top-scored with a patient 40 off 84 deliveries before left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who finished with 3-38, cleaned him up with a delivery that swung sharply to hit the stumps.With Pakistan six down and the match level, Shadab and Samad showed remarkable composure on the abrasive surface. Australia failed to find another breakthrough and Shadab eventually sealed the victory in style when he smashed Adam Zampa to a long-on boundary.“A bit like the first game, we missed too many runs,” Australian captain Josh Inglis admitted after the defeat.