Lahore, June 4, 2026: Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front with a disciplined bowling performance, claiming three wickets as Pakistan bundled out Australia for a modest 157 in the third and final One-Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
After winning the toss, Australian captain Josh Inglis opted to bat first, but the decision failed to pay dividends as the visitors struggled against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack and were dismissed in 42 overs.
Australia’s innings got off to the worst possible start when opening batter Matthew Short was trapped early by Shaheen on just the second ball of the innings, departing without scoring.
Following the early setback, Marnus Labuschagne and skipper Inglis attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious 46-run partnership. However, Labuschagne’s stay at the crease ended on 19 when he was run out by a direct hit from Arafat Minhas in the 12th over.
Inglis then combined with wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey for a 52-run third-wicket stand that briefly revived Australia’s innings. Carey contributed 19 runs before being dismissed by Haris Rauf in the 22nd over.
The turning point came in the 27th over when Shaheen removed both Inglis and all-rounder Cameron Green, reducing Australia to 120/5 and placing Pakistan firmly in control.
Despite the collapse around him, Inglis stood out with a resilient knock of 65 runs off 71 balls, striking eight fours and a six. His innings proved to be the backbone of Australia’s otherwise disappointing batting display.
Pakistan’s spin attack then tightened its grip on the contest. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Matt Renshaw (4) and Cooper Connolly (3) in successive overs, while vice-captain Shadab Khan ended his ODI wicket drought by removing Oliver Peake.
Shadab struck again in the 42nd over, clean bowling Adam Zampa for 10. The innings came to an end moments later when Matthew Kuhnemann was run out, leaving Australia all out for 157.
Shaheen was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 30 in eight overs. Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets each, while Haris Rauf chipped in with one scalp.
Pakistan will now look to capitalize on the strong bowling performance as they chase a modest target in the series-deciding encounter.
