**Pakistan Clinches Historic Series Victory Over Australia in 3rd ODI with Commanding 8-Wicket Win**
Pakistan achieved a significant milestone by winning their first-ever ODI series on Australian soil, defeating the hosts by 8 wickets in the third ODI at Perth.Pakistan reached target in 26.5 overs.With this victory, Pakistan claimed the series 2-1 and continued their strong momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy set for February in Pakistan.
### Team Changes and Toss
Pakistan entered the final ODI with an unchanged lineup, showing faith in the squad that had impressed throughout the series. Australia, however, made extensive adjustments, opting for five changes as several of their key players – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne – focused on preparations for the upcoming Test series against India. In their absence, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, and Lance Morris were brought into the side, with Josh Inglis stepping up as captain for the first time.
Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl, aiming to exploit Australia’s reshuffled batting lineup on a lively Perth pitch.
### Australian Innings: Struggles and Collapse
Australia’s innings never found rhythm, as they were bundled out for a meager 140 runs in just 31.5 overs. Once again, the Australians struggled to bat the full 50 overs, with Pakistan’s pace attack proving too hot to handle. Sean Abbott top-scored with 30 runs, while Matt Short added 22, on par with the 22 extras conceded by Pakistan. However, no other Australian batsman crossed the 20-run mark.
Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi led the charge for Pakistan, both securing three wickets each, while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively. The disciplined Pakistani bowlers exposed Australia’s frailties, setting up a straightforward chase.
### Pakistan’s Chase: Dominant Opening Partnership
In response, Pakistan’s openers laid a solid foundation, putting on an 84-run stand for the first wicket. Saim Ayub showcased his form, scoring a confident 42 off 52 balls with four fours and a six. His partner, Abdullah Shafiq, played a measured knock of 37 from 53 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan maintained control of the chase.
Despite Lance Morris’s best efforts, taking both Pakistani wickets for 34 runs, Pakistan cruised to victory with eight wickets in hand, sealing the series with a commanding performance.
### Notable Performances and Series Review
Haris Rauf, who claimed 10 wickets across the three matches, was named Player of the Series for his outstanding contribution. His pace and accuracy kept the Australian batsmen on their toes, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah also delivering strong performances. Saim Ayub was awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning knock in the final game.
Pakistan’s bowling unit stood out, showcasing their full potential as they dismantled the Australian batting order in consecutive games. Rauf’s searing pace, Afridi’s consistency, and Naseem’s breakthrough deliveries made the Pakistani pace attack one of the most formidable units in recent memory.
### Head-to-Head and Series Significance
The victory brought Pakistan’s head-to-head record against Australia to 36 wins out of 112 ODIs, while Australia remains ahead with 71 wins. However, this series marks a significant chapter in Pakistan’s cricket history, with their first ODI series victory on Australian soil.
### Looking Ahead: Champions Trophy Hopes Brighten
With this historic series win, Pakistan’s prospects for the upcoming Champions Trophy look promising. A well-rounded team with a potent pace attack and a solid top order, Pakistan’s confidence will be high as they prepare to host the tournament on home soil. This series demonstrated not only Pakistan’s capabilities but also their readiness to contend with the best on the global stage.
