Pakistan win ODI series 2-1 as Shadab Khan delivers a match-winning all-round performance to seal a famous victory at Gaddafi Stadium
Pakistan have done something special. The Green Shirts clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1 against Australia with a four-wicket win at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The Pakistan win ODI series result also marks three consecutive ODI victories over the six-time world champions. Moreover, it was Shadab Khan who stood tallest when it mattered most, delivering a match-winning performance with both bat and ball.
Australia posted 157 after being bowled out in 42 overs. Shaheen Afridi set the tone immediately, removing Matthew Short for a duck on the second ball of the innings. Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis steadied the ship with a 46-run partnership. However, a direct hit run-out from Arafat Minhas removed Labuschagne for 19. Inglis fought hard, top-scoring with a gritty 65 off 71 balls. Shaheen returned to remove both Inglis and Cameron Green, leaving Australia struggling at 120/5. The visitors never recovered. Shadab picked up two wickets and Abrar Ahmed grabbed two more as Australia collapsed to 157 all out. Shaheen finished with 3/30.
Pakistan’s chase was anything but smooth. Sahibzada Farhan fell cheaply and Pakistan slipped to 112/6 after losing wickets in clusters. Babar Azam anchored patiently with 40 off 84 balls but fell to Kuhnemann in the 30th over. Furthermore, Maaz Sadaqat contributed a brisk 27 off 26 balls before departing lbw. Therefore, Pakistan needed someone to step up at the death.
Shadab and Abdul Samad answered. The pair added an unbeaten 49-run stand for the seventh wicket. Shadab finished unbeaten on 29 off 42 balls while Samad contributed 18 not out. Together they guided Pakistan home in the 42nd over. Kuhnemann was Australia’s best bowler with 3/38, but it was not enough.
Finally, the series victory against Australia at home is a significant confidence boost for Pakistan cricket heading into a busy international calendar.
