AUS vs PAK (3rd ODI) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the 3rd ODI match of Pakistan’s tour of Australia, held in Perth on November 10, 2024. PAK delivered an outstanding performance, defeating AUS by 8 wickets with 139 balls remaining. Australia, batting first, was dismissed for a low total of 140 runs, as Pakistan’s bowlers put on an impressive display. In response, Pakistan chased down the target with ease, reaching 143/2 in just 26.5 overs. This match highlighted Pakistan’s dominance, as they showcased both bowling precision and batting consistency to secure a resounding victory.
The innings began with Jake Fraser-McGurk falling early for 7 runs off Naseem Shah, who would go on to be a key bowler in dismantling Australia. Matthew Short showed some resistance, scoring 22 runs off 30 balls before he was dismissed by Haris Rauf, caught by Irfan Khan. Aaron Hardie also got a start but couldn’t capitalize, scoring 12 before Shaheen Shah Afridi got him out, courtesy of Agha Salman’s catch.
Captain Josh Inglis tried to steady the innings but managed only 7 runs off 19 balls, falling to Naseem Shah with a catch by Mohammad Rizwan. Australia’s middle order collapsed quickly, with Glenn Maxwell departing for a duck and Marcus Stoinis scraping together just 8 runs off 25 balls before edging behind to Rizwan off Mohammad Hasnain.
A brief glimmer of hope came from Sean Abbott, who top-scored with 30 runs off 41 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six, but his efforts weren’t enough. Adam Zampa contributed 13 runs before being removed by Naseem, while Spencer Johnson remained unbeaten on 12.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were the stars with the ball, each claiming 3 wickets and applying constant pressure. Afridi’s control with 3/32 in 8.5 overs and Naseem’s 3/54 from his 9 overs kept the Australians on the back foot. Haris Rauf supported well with figures of 2/24 in his 7 overs, consistently maintaining pressure and removing crucial middle-order players.
AUS was bowled out for a modest 140, leaving Pakistan with a manageable target in this crucial match. Chasing a target of 141, Pakistan’s batting lineup delivered a solid performance, reaching 143/2 in just 26.5 overs and winning by 8 wickets with 139 balls remaining.
Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique provided a strong start, adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Saim Ayub played confidently, scoring 42 off 52 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being bowled by Lance Morris. Abdullah Shafique supported well with 37 runs off 53 balls, showing patience and control, but he too fell to Morris, caught and bowled right after Ayub’s dismissal.
Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan then took control, ensuring there were no further slip-ups. Babar played a steady knock, finishing with 28 not out from 30 balls, including four boundaries. Rizwan showcased an aggressive approach, scoring 30 off 27 balls, including a four and two sixes, to accelerate the chase.
For Australia, Lance Morris was the lone wicket-taker, claiming both Ayub and Shafique’s wickets in his 6-over spell, conceding 24 runs at a tight economy of 4.00. Sean Abbott was expensive, going for 49 runs in his 6 overs, while Spencer Johnson and Marcus Stoinis were economical but couldn’t break through PAK’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s strong top-order performance and steady finish by Babar and Rizwan sealed a comprehensive win, wrapping up the chase comfortably within 27 overs.
Australia vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Australia– 140(50)
Pakistan– 143/2(26.5/20)
Result – Pakistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Haris Rauf
AUS vs PAK Playing XI
Australia
Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK) (C), Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Lance Morris
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK) (C), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain