Pakistan clinch third consecutive ODI series against Australia:Prevail in low-scoring chase with help from Shaheen spinners, Babar scores 40

Pakistan defeated Australia by 4 wickets at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With this victory, Pakistan won their third consecutive ODI series against Australia. While batting first, the Aussies were bowled out for 157 runs in 42 overs. In reply, Pakistan achieved the target of 158 runs by losing 6 wickets in 41.1 overs. For Pakistan, Babar Azam scored the highest 40 runs. Shadab Khan played an unbeaten knock of 29 runs to lead the team to victory. Meanwhile, for Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann took 3 wickets for 38 runs, but could not save the team from defeat. Due to the rain, the match started 15 minutes late. Australia lost 7 wickets for the last 38 runs in 1st innings The Australian team, which came out to bat after winning the toss, had a very poor start. On the second ball of the match, Matthew Short was outclassed by Shaheen Shah Afridi as the Aussie batter departed for duck. After this, captain Josh Inglis steadied the innings by playing a quick knock of 65 runs off 71 balls. Inglis shared a 52-run partnership for the third wicket with Alex Carey (19 runs). At one point, Australia’s score was 119 runs for 3 wickets, and the team seemed to be in a strong position. But Haris Rauf broke the partnership by bowling out Carey. After this, the Australian team collapsed and lost their last 7 wickets, adding just 38 runs. Marnus Labuschagne was also run out after scoring 11 runs. Shaheen Afridi takes 3 wickets, Abrar-Shadab scalp two each Pakistan’s bowlers took full advantage of the turning track. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the most successful. He dealt a big blow to Australia by sending Josh Inglis and Cameron Green back to the pavilion in the first three balls of his second over. He grabbed three wickets in his spell against the Aussies. Abrar Ahmed took 2 wickets, dismissing Matthew Renshaw and Cooper Connolly. Shadab Khan, who had been wicketless for five matches, also found his rhythm and took 2 wickets. He dismissed Ollie Pope and Adam Zampa. Maaz Sadaqat’s brisk start, Babar anchored the innings Chasing a target of 158 runs, Pakistan’s start was not easy either. Sahibzada Farhan became Nathan Ellis’s victim, scoring 3 runs. However, Maaz Sadaqat scored runs quickly. He made 27 runs off 26 balls with the help of 5 fours, but was out LBW while attempting a paddle sweep off Matthew Short’s ball. After this, Babar Azam took control of one end. He batted slowly but thoughtfully. Babar played a fighting innings of 40 runs off 84 balls, including 3 fours. He read Nathan Ellis’s cutters and slower balls from the hand rather than the pitch. Middle order trapped in Kuhnemann’s spin, Pakistan were 112/6 at a point The excitement in the match increased when Matthew Kuhnemann showed the effect of his spin. He quickly dismissed Ghazi Ghori and Salman Ali Agha, pushing Pakistan onto the back foot. After this, he beat the set Babar Azam and had him caught by the wicketkeeper. When Matt Renshaw caught Arafat Minhas at slip, Pakistan’s score was 112 runs for 6 wickets, and the match was in a tight spot. Kuhnemann took 3 wickets for 38 runs in 10 overs. Shadab and Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 49-run stand seals win After the fall of 6 wickets, Pakistan’s hopes rested on Shadab Khan. Shadab, along with Abdul Samad, sensibly built the innings. The duo forged an unbeaten 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket, leading Pakistan to victory with 49 balls to spare. Shadab remained unbeaten with 29 runs off 42 balls, and Abdul Samad with 17 runs.