AUS vs PAK 3rd ODI Highlights: Rizwan's Pakistan Clinch Historic Series Win Courtesy Bowling Dominance

Pakistan defeated Australia to win the series [Source: @grassrootscric/x.com]Pakistan defeated Australia to win the series [Source: @grassrootscric/x.com]

Pakistan trounced Australia by eight wickets in the third and final ODI in Perth to win a 50-over series Down Under after 22 years. Having lost the first match, the Men in Green made a sensational comeback to take the series.

Here’s the timeline of how AUS vs PAK 3rd ODI panned out in Perth-

AUS vs PAK 3rd ODI Highlights: Aussie Top Order Crumbles

Put in to bat first, Australia’s struggles began early when Jake Fraser-McGurk fell for just seven, with Naseem Shah striking in the opening spell. Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie then found themselves up against Shaheen Afridi’s precision and Naseem’s pace, and neither could find a way to settle in. Hardie managed to scratch his way to 12 before Afridi’s sharp delivery sent him back. At the end of the first powerplay, Australia was limping at 54/2.

Things went from bad to worse as Naseem returned to remove skipper Josh Inglis for just seven, followed by Haris Rauf getting rid of Short on 22, just as he was beginning to look somewhat comfortable. The Aussie batting order was left reeling when Glenn Maxwell became Rauf’s latest victim for a duck – the third time in the series.


AUS vs PAK 3rd ODI Highlights: Abbott and Zampa Show Some Fight

With the top and middle order in tatters, it was down to Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly to lead some kind of recovery. However, Connolly’s time at the crease was cut short by a blow to his hand, forcing him to walk off. Stoinis didn’t last much longer either, falling for eight to Mohammad Hasnain.

Sean Abbott and Adam Zampa then stepped up to provide some lower-order fight. The duo managed to put on a gritty 30-run partnership, with Abbott leading the way with a fighting 30 off his own bat. But Shaheen Afridi’s return proved to be the final blow as he took out Abbott and Morris, wrapping up Australia’s innings for 140.

AUS vs PAK 3rd ODI Highlights: Pakistan Open Strong, Finish Stronger

Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, kicked things off in style, setting up a solid start by scoring 47 runs in the first Powerplay. They looked comfortable, keeping the scoreboard ticking and not letting Australia settle in.

Together, they put up an impressive 84-run stand for the first wicket, giving Pakistan just the push they needed. Then, just when they seemed unstoppable, Lance Morris came in with a twist, snagging both Shafique and Ayub in the 18th over. It gave Australia a bit of hope, but the damage was already done.

AUS vs PAK 3rd ODI Highlights: Rizwan and Babar Take It Home

With the openers gone, Pakistan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan and former captain Babar Azam stepped in to finish the job. Rizwan smashed a few boundaries, hitting one four and two sixes in his unbeaten 30 off 27 balls. Babar, calm as ever, added 28 off 30, knocking the ball around and keeping it smooth. 

The pair built an easy 58-run partnership, taking Pakistan over the line without any fuss. Babar closed it out perfectly, smashing a boundary off Adam Zampa, putting a classy end to a comfortable chase.