HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Australia, Australia in Pakistan 3 ODI Series 2026, 3rd ODI- Result, Scorecard

We are back are Pakistan's reply with the bat. The players of Australia have scattered to take the fielding position. Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan will be the openers for Pakistan. Nathan Ellis has the new ball in hand. Away we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Pakistan bowlers were on top - Pakistan’s bowling attack was exceptional from start to finish. Shaheen Afridi led from the front with a fantastic three-wicket haul, while star spinner Shadab Khan broke his six-game wicket drought by snaring two crucial scalps. Abrar Ahmed also bowled beautifully for his two wickets, and Haris Rauf picked up one to cap off a dominant team performance. Chasing a modest 158, Pakistan are firmly in the driver's seat to clinch the series. Can the Australian bowlers pull off a miracle defense, or will the hosts cruise to victory? We will find out as the chase begins shortly!

The bowling coach of Pakistan - Ashley Noffke is up for chat. He starts off saying that the bowlers did very well but the fielders have done exceptionally well because the run-outs were very crucial for them. On the performance of Minhas, he says that he is an excellent prospect for Pakistan and has a lot to achieve. On being asked about their game plan, he says that the fast bowlers were outstanding in the last couple of matches. Adds that the track offers so much for the spinners, but then also they were rotating the spells at different times and make an overall impact.

The middle-order collapse deflated the visitors - Following Josh Inglis' departure, the wheels completely came off the Australian innings. A devastating mini-collapse saw Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, and Oliver Peake all dismissed for single-digit scores in quick succession. The Pakistan bowlers gave the middle order absolutely no breathing room. The tail didn't wag as well as Australia were bundled out for a mere 157.

A sorry-looking scorecard for the Aussies! It was a tough day at the office for the Australian batters, who were bundled out for just 157 runs. The tone was set in the very first over of the match when Shaheen Afridi removed Matthew Short for a duck. While Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey showed brief resistance with 19 runs each, it was Josh Inglis who played a brilliant lone hand. He fought hard for his 65, keeping the scoreboard ticking, but his dismissal in the 27th over left the visitors in deep trouble.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, OUT! NATHAN ELLIS IS RUN OUT! That pretty much sums up the Aussies' outing with the bat. Australia have been bowled out for just 157. Shadab Khan bowls this short and on middle, turns in, Matthew Kuhnemann stays back and tucks it towards square leg. He calls for the run, but Ellis is hesitant initially, before setting off eventually. Shamyl Hussain (Sub) picks up the ball and throws it on the bounce to the keeper's end, where Ghazi Ghori collects it and breaks the stumps with Ellis well shrot of his crease.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Another wrong'un, short and on off, turns in, Nathan Ellis punches it through covers for a single.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Flatter, short and on off, turns away, Nathan Ellis looks to play from the crease but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Tossed up, full and on off, Nathan Ellis gets forward and fends it back to the bowler.

Nathan Ellis is the last man in.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, OUT! BOWLED' EM! The wrong'un does the trick for Shadab Khan and he gets his second wicket. Googly, pitching it on a nagging length, on off. Adam Zampa rocks back and tries to punch it through cover with the spin, but plays all over it. The ball stays low after pitching on the track and bamboozles the batter as it rattles the stumps.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Full, just outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann drives it to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, WIDE! Fuller, on middle, turns it down the track. Matthew Kuhnemann looks to flick but misses.

Arafat Minhas to Adam Zampa, Short, around off, Adam Zampa bunts it to cover. Maiden over!

Arafat Minhas to Adam Zampa, Full, on off, Adam Zampa dead bats it.

Arafat Minhas to Adam Zampa, Short and just outside off, Adam Zampa gets on his back foot to punch it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Arafat Minhas to Adam Zampa, A touch fullish, at the stumps, Adam Zampa defends it back to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Adam Zampa, Full, on middle, Adam Zampa eases back to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Adam Zampa, Fuller, just outside off and spins it away. Adam Zampa looks to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Powerplay 3! Now, five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the end of the innings. However, with just two wickets left, Pakistan will want to keep the fielders close in to wrap things up quickly. Here is Arafat Minhas to bowl now.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Quicker, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann eases it to the leg side.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Turn and bounce, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann tucks it to mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Kuhnemann is safe! A huge appeal and the finger goes up after a while. Matthew Kuhnemann sends it upstairs immediately to have a check. Short, turning in, on middle. Matthew Kuhnemann looks to block it but misses and wears it high on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up eventually. UltraEdge shows a flat line and Ball tracking shows that it was going over the leg pole. The on-field decision is overturned on height.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Too full, on middle and leg, Matthew Kuhnemann digs it to mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Quicker, on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, A googly, on leg, Adam Zampa knocks it to long on for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, Too full, on leg, Matthew Kuhnemann flicks it to mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Adam Zampa, Angling in, on a length, on off. Adam Zampa knocks it to long on for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, Good length, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann guides it through short third for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Adam Zampa, Nice and full, on off, Adam Zampa taps it through short cover for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Adam Zampa, A yorker, on off, Adam Zampa digs it to cover.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, Much fuller, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann drives it to cover for a single. 150 comes up for Australia.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Turn and bounce, on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Close! Short, turning in, Matthew Kuhnemann looks to heave it but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball just misses the leg pole and hits the keeper's pads. Dot.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Nice and full, on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, Too full, on off, Adam Zampa drives it to cover for a single.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, Turn and bounce, on off, Adam Zampa punches it to cover.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, Tossed up, on off, Adam Zampa blocks it to the cover fielder.

Change? Yes, Shadab Khan (6-0-22-1) is back into the attack

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Angling in, on a length, on off. Matthew Kuhnemann looks to block it but edges it to the off side.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Too full, targeting the stumps, Matthew Kuhnemann blocks it back to the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Hard length, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann punches it to cover.

Haris Rauf to Adam Zampa, Two wides! Sways it down leg, Adam Zampa looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly as the batters cross.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Slows it up, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann taps it to cover for a single.

Haris Rauf to Adam Zampa, On the stumps, on a length, Adam Zampa taps it to cover for a single.

Maaz Sadaqat is back on the field after his head injury scare earlier in the game.

Haris Rauf to Adam Zampa, Uppish but safe! Full, on middle and leg, Adam Zampa flicks it uppishly over short mid-wicket for a brace.

Abrar Ahmed to Adam Zampa, Fuller, on off, Adam Zampa drives it to long off for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Short, on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann tugs it through square leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Beaten! Quicker, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Abrar Ahmed to Adam Zampa, Fired in, on off, Adam Zampa knocks it down to long on for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Adam Zampa, Short, on off, Adam Zampa blocks it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Adam Zampa, Too full, outside off, Adam Zampa taps it to point.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Beaten! Turn and bounce, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann rocks back and looks to block it but misses.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, Fired in, on off, Adam Zampa knocks it down to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, Nice and full again, on off, Adam Zampa leans on and blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Adam Zampa, Much fuller, on off, Adam Zampa blocks it back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan is back among the wickets after 6 ODIs, according to the on-air commentators. Adam Zampa comes out to the middle now.

Shadab Khan to Oliver Peake, OUT! TAKEN! The luck is just not favouring the Aussies. However, the change to bring Shadab Khan has worked for Pakistan. Flighted and fuller, just outside off. Peake looks to drill it downtown, but gets nicked on the inside edge, before the ball pops off the left part of the front leg's boot. After that, the ball loops toward the right of the keeper, Ghazi Ghori dives forward to pouch the catch. Initially, after appealing, the umpire sends it upstairs. The third umpire takes some time and gives the verdict as OUT, after watching it from different angles. Finally, a wicket for Shadab in this series, and it is all smiles in the Pakistani huddle.

Is that a bump ball? The third umpire has been called in here. The first angle is not conclusive whether the ball hit the ground or the foot. However, another angle shows that the ball comes off the leg of the batter, and the catch is clean too. A very unlucky dismissal for Oliver Peake.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Tossed up, fuller, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann drives it to long off for a single.

With 34 overs being bowled, Shaheen Afridi will now choose one of the two balls that will be used for the rest of this innings. Also, Shadab Khan is back on.

Abrar Ahmed to Oliver Peake, Short, on off, Peake fends it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Oliver Peake, Full, on leg, Oliver Peake miscues his sweep shot.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, A tad fuller, on middle, turning in. Matthew Kuhnemann gets onhis front foot and flicks it to the right of the leg slip fielder for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Oliver Peake, Fuller, on off, Oliver Peake clips it to square leg and gets across for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Oliver Peake, Abrar drags his length back, on off, Oliver Peake gets on his toes and punches it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Oliver Peake, Full, on off, Oliver Peake defends it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Good-length delivery, outside off, Oliver Peake opens the face of the bat and steers it to deep backward point for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, Yorker, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann jams it to cover for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, Very full and outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann gets his bat away from his body to fend it away but fails to connect.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, On a hard length, pitching it on middle and angling down the leg side. Oliver Peake fends it to deep cover for a comfortable single.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Back of a length, outside off, Oliver Peake shoulders at it.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Much fuller, on off. Oliver Peake, with no footwork, defends it down the track.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Flatter this time, fullish, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann keeps it away. A wicket maiden over from Abrar Ahmed!

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Full again, just outside off, Kuhnemann brings out his solid defence.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Pitches it up, does Abrar, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann dead bats it.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Flighted it up, fuller in length, just outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann eases it to the off side.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Tossed up, fuller on off, Marnus Labuschagne lunges and defends it back to the bowler.

DRINKS! With that wicket, the umpires have called for drinks here. Pakistan are well ahead in the game now, and they will be hoping to pick up the remaining three wickets pretty quickly. The hosts will be eying to restrict Australia to 170-180 if not less. Oliver Peake has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders being the last recognised batter left, but the tail will also need to contribute to get to a fighting score. Also, Matthew Kuhnemann walks out to bat now.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, OUT! CASTLED! Abrar Ahmed simply outfoxes Connolly here and as the batter walks back, Abrar gives him a wink with a smirk on his face. He bowls it short and pitches it outside off, but turns it in sharply into the batter. Cooper Connolly shuffles across the stumps to paddle it toward short fine leg, but completely misses it. The ball beats the willow and rattles into the stumps behind. Australia are 131 for 7 now.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, On a nagging length, outside off, Oliver Peake lets it travel to the keeper.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, FOUR! Easy pickings for Peake! Pitches it up, does Afridi, angling into the pads of the batter. Oliver Peake just tickles it away through short fine leg for four runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Cooper Connolly, Full, on off, Cooper Connolly eases it to wide of cover for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Cooper Connolly, A late appeal for LBW, but the umpire remains unmoved. Much fuller yet again from Shaheen, just behind the yorker length. Cooper Connolly blocks it back to the bowler. However, the replay shows that the ball does actually brush the pad and then hits the bat. But it wouldn't have mattered, as the UltraEdge shows that the ball is moving down the leg side.

Shaheen Afridi to Cooper Connolly, Good-length delivery, outside off, Cooper Connolly opens the face of the bat and guides it to backward point.

Shaheen Afridi to Cooper Connolly, Overpitched, on middle, Cooper Connolly punches it to the left of the cover fielder.

Abrar Ahmed to Oliver Peake, Dragged back, on middle and leg, Oliver Peake pushes it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed finally gets a wicket. Oliver Peake is the new man in for Australia.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Abrar Ahmed strikes now. He bowls wrong'un from over the wicket, lands this on middle and gets it to turn away late. Matt Renshaw loses a bit of patience and looks to go big down the ground, but does not read the googly. He only manages to get a thin outside edge towards first slip, where Salman Agha shows excellent reflexes to take a sharp catch around his shoulder with the ball travelling pretty quickly to him. Australia slip from 98/2 to 126/6.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Flighted, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge towards short mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Tossed up, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw clips it towards mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, Short again and on off, Cooper Connolly pats it in front of short cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, Floated, short and on middle, turns in, Cooper Connolly stays back and nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Short of a length and on off, Matt Renshaw hops up to ride the bounce and keeps it out to the off side.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Beauty! Shaheen Afridi lands this on a nagging length, in the channel outside off, threatens to angle in but straightens after hitting the deck. Matt Renshaw has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Right in the blockhole, on middle, tails in once again, Matt Renshaw digs it out towards mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Good length and on middle, holds its line, Matt Renshaw gets squared up but manages well to block it down the pitch.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, A full toss, on middle, tailing in a bit, Matt Renshaw flicks it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Full and on middle, angling in, Matt Renshaw drives it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, Darts this one full, on middle, Cooper Connolly pushes it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, Flatter, full and on middle, Cooper Connolly turns it to the leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, Slows it up, full and on off, turns in, Cooper Connolly taps it out to short cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Flighted, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw drills it down to long on for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Tossed up, full and on off, Matt Renshaw steps across and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Cooper Connolly, Floated, full and on middle, Cooper Connolly goes down on one knee and paddles it towards fine leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Another full delivery, on middle, Matt Renshaw knocks it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Cooper Connolly, Good length and around leg, tails in a bit, Cooper Connolly misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye taken.

Cooper Connolly is in at number 7.

Shaheen Afridi to Cameron Green, OUT! TAKEN! Double whammy from Shaheen Afridi, and this game has turned on its head. Pitched-up delivery, on middle, angling in a bit. Cameron Green looks to flick it off his pads with hard hands but the ball just holds up in the surface a bit. He fails to keep his shot down and hits it straight to short mid-wicket, where Babar Azam reacts quickly to take a sharp catch to his right. Australia lose half their side now.

Shaheen Afridi to Cameron Green, Full and on middle, Cameron Green drils it towards mid on with a straight bat.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, On a length and around leg, Matt Renshaw clips it through square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi strikes straightaway. A massive wicket for Pakistan. Matt Renshaw is the new batter.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, OUT! CAUGHT! Shaheen Afridi gets rid of the Aussie skipper at a crucial time. This is fuller delivery, on off, angling in a bit. Josh Inglis looks to attack and goes for the big booming drive but his bat turns in his hands. He ends up spooing it off the bottom half of the bat towards mid on, where Sahibzada Farhan takes a simple catch. Inglis is frustrated with himself but has to walk back after another fine knock for his side. Australia are 119/4 now.

Shaheen Afridi comes back into the attack.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, Loops it up, full and on middle, Cameron Green defends it on the front foot.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, FOUR LEG BYES! Cameron Green survives a close call here! Arafat Minhas slows it up, serves this full and on the leg stump line, gets it to turn away sharply. Green looks to defend but plays down the wrong line as the ball spins past the outside edge to hit his back pad. It goes past the keeper and races to the third man fence for a boundary. Minhas looks very confident and convinces his skipper to take the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that it is just pitching in line, but wickets is umpire's call. The on-field call of Not Out stays but Pakistan keep the review.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, Flighted delivery, full and on off, Cameron Green knocks it to the left of the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, turns away a bit, Cameron Green moves back and keeps it out to the off side.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, Tossed up, full and on middle, Cameron Green pushes it towards short cover.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Floated, short and on off, Josh Inglis punches it towards long off for a single.

Arafat Minhas is back on.

Haris Rauf to Cameron Green, FOUR! Streaky! Full-length delivery, just outside off. Green gets on his front foot and goes for a drive toward mid off, expecting the ball might angle in, but it holds its line, takes the outside edge and zips through short third for four runs.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, On the fuller side, on off, shaping in, around off. Josh Inglis clips it to the right of short mid-wicket and gets a single.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, A tad fuller, on off, Josh Inglis presents the full face of the bat and fends it to the left of the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Much fuller, on middle, Josh Inglis tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Good-length delivery, on off, Inglis stabs it to the left of Shadab Khan at point, moves a good stop.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Excellently played! Slower bouncer from Rauf, on middle and leg. Josh Inglis hangs on his back foot, lifts his front foot up and pulls it down with control to dissect it between the vast gap of deep fine leg and deep square leg for four runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, Fuller, on middle, Green blocks it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, Pitches it up, does Abrar, just outside off, Green brings out his front foot and drives it between the short mid off and short cover fielders to get a couple of runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, Short, on off, Green dead bats it.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, Tossed up, fuller in length, at the stumps. Green blocks it down.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, A touch fuller, on off, Green eases it to the off side.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, Full, on middle, Green pushes it back to the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Full, on leg, Josh Inglis misses his flick and gets pinged on the pad.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Back of a length, on off, Inglis gets on his toes and blocks it out.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Gloriously driven by Inglis. Fullish delivery, pitching it just outside off and shaping it away. Josh Inglis plants his front foot toward the pitched area of the ball and drives it, showing the full face of the bat, into the gap between cover and point for four runs. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, On a length, around off, Josh Inglis opens the face of the bat and steers it to cover-point.

Haris Rauf to Cameron Green, Full, on the pads, Green flicks it to deep square leg and gets off the mark with the single.

Mixing up pace and spin has done the trick for Pakistan. Cameron Green is the next man in.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, OUT! BOWLED' EM! Oh, that is an exceptional delivery from Haris Rauf. He sprints hard, takes a leap, and punches the air in celebration. He scoots from around the wicket to the lefty, pitching it outside off, on a good length and angles in sharply toward the off pole. Alex Carey gets on his front foot and looks to block it to the off side, but fails to read the inward movement. It sneaks past the inside edge and rattles the top of the off stump. Number 3 goes down for the Aussies with 98 on the board.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Drags his length back, does Abrar, on off, Alex Carey puncehs it to sweeper cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Short, on middle, Alex Carey dabs it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Up in the air... but lands safely! Short of a length, at the stumps. Josh Inglis miscues his pull and the ball loops toward the right of the mid on fielder. Single taken.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Full, on middle, Josh Inglis defends it down.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Short, around off, Josh Inglis stabs it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, On a nagging length, around middle. Alex Carey pulls it to the right of deep fine leg and gets a single. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Deft touch! Rauf pitches it yet again on the nagging length, outside off. Josh Inglis waits for the delivery to arirve and opens the face of the bat to steer it through short third for four runs.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Sort of a length, around the batter's lane. Alex Carey misses his pull, gets a hit on his shoulder, before the ball rolls to short third. Leg bye taken.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, around off, nipping in, Alex Carey shuffles and nudges it to mid on.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, FIFTY FOR INGLIS! A captain's knock on the display, just like the previous match. Pitches it up, does Rauf, on off and middle. Josh Inglis shuffles and works it to deep fine leg and takes a single to get to his milestone.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, On a good length now, outside off. Josh Inglis crouches a bit and looks to punch it through cover, but it shapes away a bit and sneaks past the outside edge.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Full-length delivery, on off, Josh Inglis hangs back and pushes it to mid on.

Pace is back on with Haris Rauf.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Fired in, full and on off, Alex Carey eases it to the right of the bowler. Australia are 89/2 at the end of 20 overs.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Turning in, on off, Alex Carey rocks back and punches itthrough covers for a brace.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Short, turning in, Alex Carey punches it to the fielder at short cover again.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Drags his length back, on off, Alex Carey eases it to short cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Much fuller, on off, Alex Carey blocks it to mid on.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Flatter, outside off, Alex Carey steers it to backward point.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Flighted up, turning in, Josh Inglis looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Dot.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, A tad fuller, on off, Alex Carey drives it to cover for a single.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Drags his length back, on off, Josh Inglis knocks it to mid off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Too full again, on off, Alex Carey knocks it to mid on for a single.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Nice and full, on off, Alex Carey blocks it back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, FOUR! Nicely played! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Alex Carey tickles it through fine leg. The fielder chases and tries to stop it but fails to do so.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Fired in, on off, Josh Inglis blocks it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Short, on middle and leg, Josh Inglis rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Babar Azam does well near the fence and keeps it to two runs.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Wide! Down the leg side, Josh Inglis looks to flick it but misses.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Much fuller, on off, Josh Inglis drives it through covers for a brace.

Salman Agha to Alex Carey, Nice and full, on off Alex Carey knocks it through the left of the bowler for a single.

Salman Agha to Alex Carey, Too full, on off, Alex Carey plays a reverse sweep to the point fielder.

Salman Agha to Alex Carey, Short, on off, Alex Carey pushes it to short cover.

Salman Agha to Alex Carey, Wide! Sways it down leg, Alex Carey looks to sweep it but misses.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Flighted up, on leg, Alex Carey sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Keeps it full again, on off, Josh Inglis knocks it down to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Too full again, on off, Josh Inglis makes room and taps it to the cover fielder.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Nice and full, on off, Josh Inglis leans on and blocks it to short cover.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Fired in, on leg, Josh Inglis blocks it to mid on.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Much fuller, on leg, Alex Carey sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! Australia are 70 for 2 after the completion of 16 overs. First up, it was Shaheen Afridi who yet again provided the opening breakthrough for this team. After that, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis had a sturdy 46-run partnership, but that was cut short due to a mix-up between the batters. However, it's once again the skipper of the Aussies who is anchoring the inning as he is just seven runs away from back-to-back half-centuries in this series.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Short, on off, Josh Inglis blocks it to mid on.

Decent over so far from Salman Agha.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Wide! Full, down the leg side, Josh Inglis looks to flick it but misses.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, FOUR! That's a fine stroke! Flatter, outside off, Josh Inglis shimmies down the track, turns it into a half volley, and drives it over covers for a boundary.

Salman Agha to Alex Carey, Fired in, full and on off, Alex Carey knocks it to mid on for one moe.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Short, on off, Josh Inglis stays back and chips it over mid on for a single.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Much fuller again, on off, Josh Inglis drives it to the cover fielder.

Salman Agha to Josh Inglis, Too full, turning in, Josh Inglis looks to play at it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls to the left of the keeper. Dot.

Salman Agha comes into the attack now.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Goes short and around off, Josh Inglis punches it through covers for one.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Close! Shadab Khan gives this one some more air, full and on off, gets it to turn away sharply. Josh Inglis is drawn forward to push it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge while losing his balance a bit. Ghazi Ghori, the keeper, collects and breaks the stumps in a flash. It has been sent upstairs to check for the stumping. The replay shows that Inglis did drag his back foot out of the crease, but gets it back inside just in time.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, The exhibition of sweep continues! Slower through the air, full and on middle, Alex Carey paddles if off the stumps to deep fine leg for one.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Flighted, full and on off, Josh Inglis drives it to long off for a run.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Floated, full and on middle, Josh Inglis strides out and taps it to the off side.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Tossed up, full and on off, Alex Carey goes down and across to paddle it towards deep fine leg for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Flighted, full and on off, Josh Inglis goes down and reverse paddles it wide of short third for a couple of more runs.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Nicely done! This is pushed through quicker, full and on off, Josh Inglis gets on one knee and nails the reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary.

Arafat Minhas to Alex Carey, Flatter, full and on off, Alex Carey plays the paddle sweep towards fine leg for a run.

Arafat Minhas to Alex Carey, Goes short and on middle, Alex Carey pats it back to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Tossed up, full and on off, Josh Inglis steers it away to point.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Floated, full and around off, Josh Inglis goes down and across to paddle it wide of fine leg for a brace.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Tossed up, turning in, on off. Alex Carey looks to block it but gets an inside egde onto his pads.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Flighted, full and on middle, Alex Carey works it towards square leg.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Slows it up, full and on middle, Alex Carey turns it to the leg side.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Uppish but safe! Floated, full and on middle, Alex Carey goes for the reverse again but gets a top edge over point for a couple of runs.

Shadab Khan to Alex Carey, Much fuller, turning in, Alex Carey taps it back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Short, on off, Josh Inglis punches it to cover for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Alex Carey, PUT DOWN! Could have been two in two for Arafat Minhas, in fact, it should have been. A bit short and on middle and off, Alex Carey goes for the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball pops up in the air in front of the stumps. Ghazi Ghori, the keeper, dives forward and tries to grab it with his outstretched right glove, but fails to hold on to it. Carey gets a life on the very first ball.

The partnership, which was looking promising, has been broken. Alex Carey walks in to bat now.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, OUT! MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE IS RUN OUT! A massive mix-up in the middle and Australia lose their second wicket. Arafat Minhas drags his length back and around off, Josh Inglis stays back and swats it wide of long off for a run. Marnus turns blindly for the second run, but is sent back when he is almost reaching Inglis at the other end. Haris Rauf fires in a throw at the bowler's end, where Minhas collects it on the bounce. He turns around, takes aim and hits the stumps at the batter's end. Marnus puts in a desperate dive but is still way short of his crease. He just lies there for a few seconds in disappointment. Australia are 46/2 now.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Appeal for LBW, but turned down! Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Josh Inglis goes down on one knee to paddle it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Arafat Minhas looks very interested, and the keeper Ghazi Ghori also convinces his skipper to take the review. Ball Tracking shows that the impact is umpire's call and the ball is missing the leg stump. Pakistan lose an early review.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Drops it short and on off, Josh Inglis moves back and stabs it to the right of short cover.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne works it wide of mid on for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, full and around leg, Marnus Labuschagne fends it to the leg side.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Slows it up, full and around off, Josh Inglis strides out and pushes it towards cover-point.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Just short! Flatter, short and on off, turns away with bounce this time. Josh Inglis flays his bat at it. Gets a thick outside edge but the ball goes on the bounce to short third.

Shadab Khan to Marnus Labuschagne, Flighted, full and around off, turns away, Marnus Labuschagne plays it late and steers it through point for another run.

Shadab Khan to Marnus Labuschagne, Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it out.

Shadab Khan to Josh Inglis, Goes short again and around off, Josh Inglis rocks back and punches it aerially but through covers for a run.

Shadab Khan to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne cuts it away to deep point for a single.

Powerplay 2! Pakistan can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Shadab Khan comes into the attack now.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Full, on off, Josh Inglis lunges and blocks it out.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Short, on middle, Josh Inglis pushes it to cover.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Excellent work in the deep! Short of a length, outside off, Marnus transfers his weight on his back foot and punches it well into the gap between cover and point. Both the fielders sprint back, and it's Maaz Sadaqat from the cover region who dives just before the ball touches the boundary cushion and saves a run for the team. However, he has hurt himself during the process as he lands awkwardly on his left shoulder and takes a hit on his head.

Oh..no! There is some real concern in the field at the moment. While trying to save the boundary, Maaz Sadaqat has hurt his head here and is lying on the ground. Skipper Shaheen Afridi is waving for the doctors, and the stretcher is also coming out. Scenes you do not want to see on a cricket field. However, the good thing is that Maaz is up on his feet, but he is walking off the field. Hopefully, it is nothing serious. Also, Shamyl Hussain is the substitute fielder.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Short, on off and middle. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and brings out his solid defence.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, A tad fuller, pitching on middle and turning away. Marnus Labuschagne rocks back and blocks it down.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and wide outside off, Marnus Labuschagne dabs it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Drags his length back, does Abrar, outside off. Josh Inglis goes deep into the crease and punches it to the left of the wide long off fielder and gets an easy brace.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, On the fuller side, on off, Josh Inglis fends it to short cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, A tad fuller, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it to mid-wicket and gets a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Just outside off, fuller in length, Marnus Labuschagne eases it to short cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it to the left of the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Short, on off, Josh Inglis punches it to long off for one.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Beaten! Pitches it fuller, on off and turns it away from the batter. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block it on his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne rests it down.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch shorter, around off, Marnus Labuschagne eases it to cover.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Short, on off, Josh Inglis punches it to long off for one.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, SIX! KABOOM! Fullish yet again, closer to the off stump. Josh Inglis goes inside out and lofts it elegantly over deep cover for half a dozen.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Warm greetings to Minhas from Inglis. Tossed up, fuller, offering a lot of width, outside off. Josh Inglis hangs back and spanks it through cover-point for four runs.

A probing over from Abrar Ahmed. Spin from both ends now with Arafat Minhas replacing Haris Rauf.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Googly to end the over, offering a bit flight, pitching it fuller, around off and middle. Marnus Labuschagne rocks back and tries to block it but gets the inside edge and gets wrapped on his pads.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, on the leg stump, Maaz Sadaqat blocks it to the leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Short, around off, Marnus Labuschagne slaps it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches it up, does Abrar, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne lunges and rests it down.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch shorter now, on off, Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and defends it from the inner part of his bat.

Abrar Ahmed to Marnus Labuschagne, Short, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it down.

Time for spin now as Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Oh, nearly gets beaten on the inside edge! Slanting in, around the off stump, fuller in length. Josh Inglis prods and goes for an expansive drive toward mid off, but gets nicked on the inside edge, before it rolls to mid on.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch fuller, outside off, Matt Renshaw dabs it to backward point.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off, Labuschagne fends it to cover.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Easy pickings for Labuschagne. Good-length delivery, on middle and leg, angling in. Marnus Labuschagne just rolls his wrists and flicks it to the right of the deep square leg fielder for four runs.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches it up, wide outside off. Marnus Labuschagne bends his back leg and tries to drill it away, through cover, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Full-length delivery, on off, angling in. Marnus Labuschagne defends it back to the bowler. Rauf picks it up and has a shy at the batter's end as Labuschagne is out of his crease. As he sees the bowler making the throw, he gets back.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, It's a maiden from Shaheen Afridi. Full, shaping in, on off. Josh Inglis blocks it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Make it five dots. Much fuller, on off, Josh Inglis blocks it to mid off.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Good length, on off, Josh Inglis punches it to the point fielder. Four dots now.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Oh, that was close! Angling in, on a length, on off. Josh Inglis looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball just misses the off pole and rolls to the right of the keeper.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Slows it up, on off, Josh Inglis knocks it to the fielder at mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Hard length, on off, Josh Inglis blocks it to mid off.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Excellent fielding! Full, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it to mid-wicket. Shadab Khan dives to his right and makes a brilliant stop. Dot ball.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Too full, on leg, Marnus Labuschagne eases it to the mid on fielder.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Slows it up, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne punches it to the point fielder.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, A tad fuller, on off, Josh Inglis makes room and steers it through point for a single.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Too full, on the stumps, Josh Inglis stays back and blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Josh Inglis, Good length, outside off, shaping away. Josh Inglis punches it to the cover fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Marnus Labuschagne, On the stumps, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne covers his line and makes a solid block.

Shaheen Afridi to Marnus Labuschagne, EDGED AND FOUR! Streaky from Marnus Labuschagne! Good length, shaping away. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block it with soft hands. He gets a thick outside edge as the ball races through short third for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Nice and full, on leg, Josh Inglis helps it to fine leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Angling in, on a length, on off. Josh Inglis knocks it to the mid off fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Through the gap! That's a good bit of placement from Josh Inglis. Good length, outside off, Josh Inglis stays back and punches it magnificently through point for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Too full, on middle, Josh Inglis looks to flick it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls to the left of the keeper.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Josh Inglis looks to flick it but misses.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Swing and a miss! Keeps it full and outside off, with a hint of away movement. Marnus Labuschagne swings hard but misses.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Beaten! A tad fuller, shaping in, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive it but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Haris Rauf goes full again, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne turns it through the left of square leg for a brace.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne covers his line and blocks it back to the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling in, on a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne punches it to the point fielder.

Haris Rauf to Marnus Labuschagne, Haris Rauf starts with a fuller one, on off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it to point.

Once again, the Pakistani skipper picks up a wicket in the first over. Haris Rauf will take the other new ball.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, FOUR! First boundary of the innings! A tad fuller, outside off, Josh Inglis latches onto it and guides it magnificently through backward point for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Josh Inglis, Nice and full, outside off, Josh Inglis taps it to the cover fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Marnus Labuschagne, Australia are underway. Length, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it to square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length, angling in, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it to cover.

Early blow for the Aussies. Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Short, OUT! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi strikes eventually. An early breakthrough for Pakistan as Matthew Short walks back for a duck. Hard length, on middle and leg, Matthew Short looks to drive it on the up, but the ball stops on him and the bat turns in his hands as well. It goes off the bottom half of the bat straight towards mid on. Sahibzada Farhan leaps and takes a good catch above his head. Australia are 0/1.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Short, Almost a perfect start from Shaheen Afridi. He bowls a fuller one, on leg, shaping away. Matthew Short stays back and looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. An appeal but turned down. It was going down leg.

We are all set for the series finale! The Pakistan players are already out in the middle. Out comes the two the openers for Australia - No Alex Carey this time, it will be Matthew Short and Josh Inglis. Skipper Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Bazid Khan says that there is a slight bit of breeze blowing across that will give a bit of relief to the players. Adds that it is almost identical to the pitch that was used in the last game. Khan shares that it looks darker, but it is very dry and there are some cracks on it which will help the ball to turn. Says that the batters who have waited for the ball and not force the pace have been successful here. Ends by saying that overall it will support the spinners.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (WK), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (C/WK), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly (In place of Tanveer Sangha), Oliver Peake, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

The skipper of Pakistan - Shaheen Afridi says that the wicket will be same, so it doesn't matter much. They will try to restrict them to a total lower than 200. Afridi mentions that they will try to bowl well, and he says that the pitch was under cover for only an hour, so maybe they can extract some spin as well. He ends by saying that they are going with the same side.

The captain of Australia - Josh Inglis says that they are going to bat first as it worked really well for them in the last game. On being asked about the total they want to put on the board. He says the track looks pretty much similar to the other end and they will try to execute the same way they did in the last game. Inglis mentions that they adapted really nicely after the first day and they will to continue it in that way. Ends up saying that they have one change, Cooper Connolly comes in place of Tanveer Sangha.

TOSS - Australia have won the toss and elected to BAT first.

TOSS DELAYED! If you are wondering why the toss hasn't taken place, it is because there was heavy rain earlier and the pitch was under the hessian cover to prevent water from going onto it. However, the cover is off now and we will not have to wait too long as the word from the middle is that Toss will happen at 11.15 am GMT and the first ball will be bowled at 11.45 am GMT.

History on the line - It all comes down to this monumental clash today. Australia have not won an ODI series on Pakistani soil since way back in 1998, and they are desperate to break that jinx. With a tricky batting track expected and both teams likely going in unchanged, the toss will be vital. Get ready for an absolute cracker of a game. Toss and team news in a bit...

The Aussies bounced back - Never write off the Aussies! Australia fought right back in the second match, defending a total of 231 to secure a crucial 41-run win. Fifties from Josh Inglis and Cameron Green rescued them from a shaky 51/3 against Shaheen Afridi's fiery opening spell. Nathan Ellis then starred with 4 wickets, backed by Matt Short's 3-wicket haul, to bowl out Pakistan for 190 despite a fighting 71 from Shadab Khan.

Pakistan's opening punch - The hosts kicked things off in style at Rawalpindi. On debut, young spin sensation Arafat Minhas picked up a spectacular five-wicket haul to rattle the visitors. Chasing a modest target of 201, steady half-centuries from Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori steered the Men in Green across the finish line with 5 wickets in hand to take an early 1-0 lead.

Welcome to the grand finale - Hello everyone and a warm welcome to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It is Thursday, and we are live for the third and final ODI between Pakistan and Australia. The three-match series is deadlocked at 1-1, and today we crown the champions in this ultimate series decider.

... MATCHDAY ...

One final blockbusting decider - The decider has found its home in Lahore. Pakistan and Australia have been at it all series, splitting the first two ODIs right down the middle and setting up a gripping series finale. Pakistan started the series in Rawalpindi and meant business, walking away with a fine victory in the opener. Australia regrouped, headed to Lahore for the next game, and gave a commanding reply to level the series, pushing it into a crucial decider. Pride on the line - Australia carry a point to prove that goes beyond this series. History whispers in their favour at the macro level with a strong record against Pakistan, painting a picture of general dominance in this rivalry. But history has a short memory when recent wounds are still raw. The last time Pakistan faced Australia in a bilateral ODI series, they went to Australian soil and owned it, winning the series 2-1 in late 2024. Australia will be carrying that particular sting into Lahore with plenty of motivation to set the record straight. Pakistan will want to prove that their recent success against Australia can be repeated on home soil under pressure to walk away with another trophy. Bowling dominance - Australia's bowlers turned Lahore into a masterclass in the second ODI. Nathan Ellis led the way with a superb four wicket haul, giving Pakistan's batters absolutely nothing to work with while defending a total that was far from imposing. Matt Short also stepped up beautifully with three wickets of his own. On the other side, Pakistan's pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has been a constant threat, picking up three wickets in the last game to keep the pressure high. Adam Zampa has not been at his sharpest of late, but that has never made him any less dangerous. The top class spinner carries immense experience, and on a given day he is the kind of operator who can flip a match on its head almost single handedly. Australia will be hoping he saves his best performance for the final game when it matters most. Struggles with the bat - Both teams have faced their share of problems in the top order. They have struggled a bit with their top order to click consistently, losing early wickets in both games before being rescued by the middle order. Marnus Labuschagne has experienced a quiet patch, which has quietly become one of Australia's bigger headaches going into this decider. It has not just been him, as the top order has blown hot and cold, offering only small glimpses of their potential. It was Josh Inglis and Cameron Green who bailed them out in Lahore with crucial half centuries, but Australia cannot rely on singular brilliance. Pakistan faces a similar challenge, as their batting collapsed in the second game while chasing a modest total, leaving too much for the lower order to do. Young stars and a rescue act - While Australia's bowlers choked Pakistan in Lahore, Pakistan's young talent has shown great promise. The young spin bowling all rounder Arafat Minhas has been a breakout star, delivering a match winning performance in Rawalpindi and contributing with both bat and ball. Alongside him, Shadab Khan showed incredible determination in the second ODI, fighting hard with a brilliant 71 runs to keep Pakistan in the hunt when the top order collapsed. Pakistan will need a collective batting effort from stars like Babar Azam to ensure a solid foundation. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - PAK - LWLWL | AUS - WLLWW. What to expect? The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has historically been an excellent track for cricket, offering a fair contest. Early on, it can offer assistance to the seamers, but as the match progresses, spin bowlers will get plenty of help. Once batters get through the tough initial movement, they can score heavily using the quick outfield. With a massive series on the line, fans can expect an absolute thriller.