Australia vs Pakistan PAK in AUS, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full Scorecard

FOUR! Babar Azam finishes things off in style! Adam Zampa serves a juicy full toss, on middle, Babar Azam skips down the track and thumps it towards the long on fence for a boundary. He immediately raises both his hands with Mohammad Rizwan on the other end also doing the same. They share a hug, and it is smiles all around in the hut. PAKISTAN WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND SEAL THE SERIES 2-1!

Flighted, full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it down o long off for one.

Quicker, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan uses his feet and knocks it back to the bowler. He loses his balance and falls over as well. Josh Inglis saw the funny side of it.

Flatter, short and around off, turns away a bit, Mohammad Rizwan misses his cut.

Short and on middle, Babar Azam moves back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Slower one, full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it towards short covers.

Back of a length and on off, Babar Azam swats it wide of mid on for one. Pakistan just one hit away from victory.

Fuller and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan drills it down to long on for a single.

Short of a length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it wide of deep point for a brace. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

FOUR! SMASHED! Aaron Hardie drops it short and on off, Mohammad Rizwan uses his feet again, gets on top of it and hammers it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Into the single digits now!

SIX! BANG! Mohammad Rizwan is in a hurry now! Aaron Hardie serves this full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and spanks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 13 more needed to win now!

Short of a length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. Pakistan 18 runs away from the win now!

Fuller and on middle, Babar Azam looks to play but gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.

On a length and around off, Mohammad Rizwan guides it towards point for a quick single. Glenn Maxwell collects and throws it at the batter's end where it hits Babar Azam on his gloves.

Takes pace off and bangs this short, on off, Mohammad Rizwan swats it down to mid-wicket.

Touch fuller, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it down the pitch.

Good length and on middle, shaping away, Mohammad Rizwan gets squared up and steers it towards point.

FOUR! Babar Azam is in fine touch and these shots speak of his class! A bit too full from Morris, on middle and leg, Babar Azam shows full face of his bat and drives it past mid on for a boundary. Pakistan just need 21 more runs to win!

Short and over off, Babar Azam lets it go past.

Good length, on off, Babar Azam pats it to cover.

Hard length, on off and some extra bounce off the deck, Mohammad Rizwan is squared up and gets an outside edge that rolls away to deep third for one.

Back of a length, over off, Babar Azam steers it to deep third for a single.

FOUR! All class from Babar! Full and at the stumps, Babar Azam with a steady head position times his drive to bits of perfection and gets it straight past the bowler for a boundary. Pakistan inching closer now!

SIX! Absolutely crunched! The skipper has had enough and he steps out and smokes this length-delivery, on off, over long on for a biggie.

Pitched up, on off, Babar Azam eases it out to deep point for a single.

Outside off, on a length, Babar Azam tries to drive but misses on the outside edge.

Back of a length, over off, Babar Azam tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket and collects two good runs.

Full and outside off, Babar Azam drives but straight to mid off.

On a good length, over off, Babar Azam looks to tuck it across but the ball jags back in to hit him high on the pad.

Good shot but cant get it past backward point! Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it hard but Glenn Maxwell dives to his left and stops it cleanly.

Full, on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan leans across and pushes it to mid on.

Very short and over off, Mohammad Rizwan hops and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a couple more runs. This gets Pakistan past the 100-run mark. They need 40 more runs to win.

On a good length, over off, Babar Azam punches it to deep point for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it to deep point for a single.

Lands it right, on a length, in that channel around off, Mohammad Rizwan is beaten on all ends as he hops back and looks to keep it out being squared up a bit.

Full, on off, Babar Azam firms his drive but straight to mid off. Pakistan need 44 more runs to win off 174 balls.

Short of a length and onto the pads, Babar Azam hops inside the line and looks to help it on its way but misses. The ball goes off his thigh and straight to the keeper to his left.

Honing in at the stumps, on a hard length, Babar Azam gets his bat ahead and taps it back to the bowler.

Hits the deck hard, on a short of a length and on middle, Babar Azam rolls his wrist over the ball and pulls it all along the ground to the left of deep square leg for two runs.

Short of a length and into the hips, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Attacks the pegs on a fuller length, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan punches it through covers for one.

Uppish but safe! Lance Morris hits the length hard and on off, nips away with extra bounce again. Mohammad Rizwan tries to play at it but the ball takes the shoulder off the bat and lobs just in front of point.

Short of a length and on middle, Babar Azam pulls it towards fine leg for one.

On a length and angling into leg, Mohammad Rizwan fails to glance it away as the ball goes off his pads towards backward square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Back of a length and around off, Mohammad Rizwan swipes it through square leg for a brace.

Good length and on middle, shaping in, Mohammad Rizwan gets into an awkward position trying to block and gets an inside edge onto his pads.

On a length and on middle, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Babar Azam sways away from it.

Hard length and on middle, Babar Azam tries to work it away but gets squared up and fends it to the off side.

BEAUTY! Spencer Johnson goes a bit fuller and on off, angles away, Babar Azam looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length and on off, Babar Azam dabs it wide of cover-point and wants the run but is sent back and rightly so.

FOUR! Classy shot! Spencer Johnson bowls this very full and on middle, Babar Azam presents the full face of the bat and drives it down the ground to the long on fence for a boundary.

The skipper, Mohammad Rizwan walks out to bat at number 4 for Pakistan! Josh Inglis brings back Spencer Johnson (6-0-21-0) into the attack now!

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Lance Morris with the double whammy! Lance Morris lands this short of a length and on the fifth stump line, Saim Ayub stays back and tries to guide it away but fails to get on top of the bounce. The ball takes the inside edge and goes back on to the stumps. A bit unlucky but Pakistan lose both set batters in the same over. Ayub falls for 42 off 52 and Pakistan still needs 56 runs to win!

Fuller and on middle, Babar Azam clips it through mid-wicket for a single and gets off the mark.

On a length and on off, Babar Azam pats it down to point.

Lovely bowling! Lance Morris hits the length hard and on off, this one takes off viciously and nips away. Babar Azam has a poke but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short of a length and outside off, shapes away, Babar Azam leaves it alone.

Babar Azam walks out to bat at number 3 for Pakistan!

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! This is a fantastic return catch from Lance Morris and finally, there is something to cheer for the home crowd. Fuller in length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique with a straight bat drives it firmly but a bit uppishly down the pitch. Lance Morris shows excellent reflexes to grab it with both hands in his follow-through. The opening stand of 84 runs has been broken and Shafique departs for 37 off 53.

Quicker, full and on leg, Abdullah Shafique works it through square leg for one. Pakistan needs just 57 runs to win now.

Floated, full and on leg, Saim Ayub clips it through mid-wicket for another run.

Flatter, short and on leg, Saim Ayub misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Short again, on middle, Abdullah Shafique moves back and punches it towards long on for a run.

Full and at the stumps, Abdullah Shafique offers a solid front foot block.

Short and outside off, Saim Ayub cuts it wide of point for a single.

First signs of spin in the game! Adam Zampa is tossed the ball now.

Buzzers! On a length and on middle, nips back in, Abdullah Shafique looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes to the right of the keeper. The batters set off for the run as Josh Inglis hits the stumps at the batter's end. But Ayub is safely in and then they steal another run with the ball deflecting away.

Overpitched and on the pads, Abdullah Shafique flicks it away towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Hits the length hard, on middle, angling in, Abdullah Shafique gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it towards point.

Fuller and on middle, Abdullah Shafique tucks it straight to mid on.

Good length and on the fifth stump line, Saim Ayub looks to play at it but gets an outside edge towards third man for a single.

Fullish and on middle, Abdullah Shafique look to work it away but gets a leading edge to the off side.

On a length and on leg, Saim Ayub looks to flick but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Saim Ayub has been hit on the left knee with that last throw and he calls the physio out! The umpires decide to take the drinks break too! It’s been one-way traffic all game, with Pakistan firmly in control and on the brink of sealing the match and the series. Just 67 runs stand between them and victory, and the openers will be eager to carry on and see their side home. For Australia, nothing has clicked so far, and they’ll need a miracle, or perhaps pull a rabbit out of the hat, to turn things around in a game that has all but slipped away. Saim Ayub is now good to continue!

Good length and on off, Abdullah Shafique steers it towards backward point and sets off for the run. Saim Ayub had to hurry a bit as the throw from the fielder hit him on the heels and he tumbled over.

Hard length and on off, Saim Ayub dabs it through point for a run.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on off, Saim Ayub sways away from it.

Short of a length and around off, Abdullah Shafique runs it down to third man for a single.

DROPPED! Another chance goes down! Sean Abbott bangs it into the pitch again, on middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to hook but gets a but hurried. He mistimes it in the air towards fine leg where Adam Zampa gets low and tries to take it with both hands but spills it out. They cross. Zampa knows that was the chance to get the breakthrough here.

On a length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique knocks it down the pitch.

Touch fuller, on middle, Abdullah Shafique blocks it out.

FOUR! Just wide! Back of a length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique gets on top of the bounce quickly and heaves it aerially but wide of the diving mid-wicket fielder for another boundary. Pakistan are halfway through the chase now.

Short of a length and on middle, Saim Ayub pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Sean Abbott lands this on a good length and around off, Saim Ayub dances down the track, extends his arms and swats it away wide of mid off for a boundary.

Anothet full delivery, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it out solidly.

Pitches it up, on middle, Abdullah Shafique drills it straight to mid on.

Bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on off, Abdullah Shafique gets low and sways away from it.

Goes fuller and on the pads, Abdullah Shafique clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Good purchase! Lance Morris hits the length hard and around off, gets it to nip away with extra bounce, Abdullah Shafique looks to cut it away but misses.

Lance Morris begins with a hard-length delivery, on of, Abdullah Shafique dabs it down to point.

Lance Morris is introduced into the attack. Can he provide the hosts with the opening they are desperately in need of?

FOUR! Good shot! Sean Abbott goes short again, on middle. Saim Ayub picks up the lengh early, gets on top of it and pulls it in front of square on the leg side. The fielder runs to his left and tries to flick it back inside but fails to do so as the ball goes away for a boundary.

Full again and on middle and off, Saim Ayub steers it towards point.

Overpitched and around off, Saim Ayub crouches and drills it hard but straight to point.

Short of a length and on middle, Saim Ayub pulls it away towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a brace.

Length again, on middle, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket for a run.

On a length and on leg, Saim Ayub nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it down to point.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Saim Ayub gets cramped up trying to tuck it away, gets an inside edge onto his thigh pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.

Action replay! Touch fuller but in that channel outside off, Saim Ayub has a poke at it without moving his feet, the ball zips past the outside edge again.

BEATEN! Spencer Johnson lands this on a good length and on off, holds its line, Saim Ayub tries to play at it from his crease but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pitched up and on middle, Abdullah Shafique with the full face of the bat drives it firmly past mid on. The ball holds up just inside the rope as the fielder collects it. Three runs taken. 50 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Fuller and around off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it towards short covers.

Powerplay 2! Australia can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over.

Good length, on off, Saim Ayub taps it to point.

Outside off, on a length, Saim Ayub leaves it alone.

Angling away, on a good length, outside off, Saim Ayub plays inside the line.

SIX! Oh dear, Spencer Johnson did so well to try and catch that but has spilt it over the fence for a biggie. A costly overstepping for Sean Abbott! Short of a length and over off, Saim Ayub shuffles across and pulls it well to deep backward square leg. Spencer Johnson moves across near the ropes and jumps to collect the ball which was within his reach. The ball bursts off his palm and drops behind the fence. He didn't have to jump but seems like he wasn't aware of where the rope was behind him.

NO BALL! Sean Abbott has overstepped. A Free Hit will follow! Full and outside off, Saim Ayub has a feel for it away from his body but misses.

Short and on middle, Saim Ayub lifts his front leg and hooks it behind square on the leg side and tumbles over on his back. Does well to get back up and collect two runs.

Good length, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub looks to tuck it across and closes the bat face early. A leading-edge rolls down to cover.

On a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique plays inside the line and the ball goes past the outside edge.

That should have been taken! Lance Morris did well to get to the ball but failed to cling on. Short of a length, over off, Saim Ayub hops back and the ball climbs on him to go off the outside edge. Falls in front of deep third where Morris after a short delay charges in for the catch, gets to the ball in front and drops both his hands low but fails to grab it cleanly. A single off it!

Back of a length, on middle and off, Saim Ayub dabs it down the deck.

A loud appeal for caught behind from the keeper but the umpire turns it down! Short and over middle, Saim Ayub gets across and looks to pull it behind the keeper but misses. The ball goes past his gloves and Josh Inglis collects it. The Snicko meter shows no spike and Australia will be pleased not to have reviewed it.

Full, on off, Saim Ayub eases it out to mid off where Sean Abbott dives to his left and stops it.

Very full, outside off, Saim Ayub is late to jam it out and misses to get any bat.

Follows up with a good-length delivery, on middle and off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to mid on.

SIX! Helped it on its way! Short of a length, over middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique quickly swivels across and pulls it off the upper half of the bat over fine leg for a biggie.

Full and on leg, Saim Ayub flicks it to deep fine for a single.

Angling away, on a length, outside off, Saim Ayub plays within the line and the ball moves away past the outside edge.

Charges down the track and lofts this good-length delivery over the bowler's head for a single.

Starts from over the wicket and goes full, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and drives it through covers for a brace.

FOUR! Not in total control but gets more than enough to find the fence.On a good length, in and around off, Saim Ayub looks to drive it straight down the ground but gets an inside edge that goes over the leap of the fielder at square leg for a boundary.

Australia have bowled well so far without any reward. They may think of bringing Sean Abbott into the attack.

WIDE! Very short this time, over off, Saim Ayub lets it go through.

Hard length, outside off and shaping away just enough to go past the outside edge as Saim Ayub has a swings down the line.

Short and over middle and leg, Saim Ayub ducks under. Spencer Johnson gets warned for the first bounce off the over.

On a length, on middle and off again, Saim Ayub blocks it with a straight bat.

Good length, on middle, Saim Ayub taps it back to the bowler.

At 136.9kph, on a length, outside off and nipping away off the deck, Saim Ayub is beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length, over off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it out to point.

Full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique pushes it back to the bowler.

Keeps the length good and outside off, Abdullah Shafique with soft hands reaches out and fends it to point.

On a back of a length, over off, Abdullah Shafique hops back and cuts it to point.

On a good length, on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to the bowler.

Short and over off, Abdullah Shafique ducks under and lets it go through.

Full, on off, Saim Ayub firms his drive but straight to mid off.

Short and over off, Saim Ayub looks to ride the bounce and lift it over cover but misses due to that extra zip off the deck.

Full and on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off and sets for the run. Marcus Stoinis is very quick to his right, collects the ball in a grab and has a shy at the stumps at the bowling end. Luckily for Shafique, the ball didn't hit the target, or he was gone!

Hits the deck hard, on a short of a length, over middle, Abdullah Shafique tucks it down the deck.

Full and on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique is a bit early on his shot but gets away with it. Chops it aerially but to the left of mid on for a couple more runs.

Back of a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique hops back and dabs it to point.

WIDE! And again! A bit short of a length and down leg, Josh Inglis does well to get to it on his left.

WIDE! Solid take from Josh Inglis! A bit fuller and swinging back in, but down leg, Josh Inglis is quick to move across to his left and dives to collect it.

Good length, on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it in front of mid off and gets a single. Marcus Stoinis isn't happy with the lack of intent from the fielder there!

Full, on off, Saim Ayub times it to cover and steals a quick single.

Drags the length back and induces half a chance that flies over the slip cordon to deep third for one. Sliced away off the outer half of the bat by Abdullah Shafique!

Straight on at the stumps, on a fuller length, Abdullah Shafique gets right behind the line and stabs it down the deck.

On a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to cover.

Glorious shot for three runs! Full and on middle and off, Saim Ayub steps across a bit and lofts his drive over mid-wicket. The ball dies down in the outfield and the fielder mops it up.

Short of a length and outside off, Saim Ayub slices it off the upper half, aerially, but safely to deep backward point for a single.

There's thee perfect length! Just outside off and straightening off the deck to beat the bat on the outside edge.

Pulls the length back and gets some shape that takes the ball away, from around middle and off, Saim Ayub rocks back and keeps it out to the off side.

Full again, on middle and off, Abdullah Shafique just nudges it to mid on and gets a single.

honing in at the stumps, on a fuller length, Saim Ayub clips it to deep backward square leg for a single. Australia are bowling a bit too full and making it easier for Pakistan!

Full and on off, Abdullah Shafique just pushes it to cover-point region for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! First boundary of the chase and it comes off Ayub's bat! Short of a length and on leg, Saim Ayub flicks it on its way to deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Goes full and on the stumps, Abdullah Shafique drives it nicely straight past the bowler to the left of mid on and gets a single.

Short of a length, over off, Abdullah Shafique ducks underneath!

Just short of a length, on middle and nipping away, Abdullah Shafique reads the ball well and sticks his bat out to fend it down to point.

Full and on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and taps it to cover.

Steams in from over the wicket and lands it full, outside off, with a hint of away movement, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

Marcus Stoinis to share the attack.

Abdullah Shafique gets off the mark straightaway! Too full and into the pads, looking for the swing, Abdullah Shafique flicks it off his pads to deep fine and gets a single. Good start from Spencer Johnson and Australia! Pakistan are 2/0 at the end of the first over!

Pakistan and Saim Ayub are underway with the chase! Back of a length, into he ribcage, Saim Ayub just about manages to dab it down to fine leg for a single.

Nicely bowled! Closer to the off-stump line, on a good length, shaping away off the deck to go past the outside edge and Saim Ayub looks to keep it out with a straight bat.

Gets good bounce on this one does Johnson! On a back of a length, outside off, Saim Ayub hops back and sways away off the line.

Similar line on a tad fuller length, swinging away, Saim Ayub looks to drive it through covers but gets beaten. He has to stay away from that line!

Gets movement straightaway! Comes from over the wicket and hurls it outside off and gets the ball to shape away off the deck. Saim Ayub leaves it alone.

OUT! TIMBER! Pakistan have ripped Australia apart for just 140 runs in under 32 overs! With Cooper Connolly retired hurt, that drops the curtains on what has been a forgetful batting inning for the hosts. Shaheen Afridi charges in and fires it full, on off, Lance Morris is squared up a bit with the pace behind the ball and misses to jam it out. The ball sneaks past the outside edge and rattles the stumps.

Full and on off, Lance Morris gets an outside edge that rolls behind to slip trying to play at it with a straight bat.

Lance Morris is the last man in for Australia as Cooper Connolly will not be returning for any further action in this game.

OUT! CAUGHT! Doesnt make the most of the chance and Sean Abbott after a handy knock of 30 (41) has to walk back. Shaheen Afridi takes some pace off and hits the deck hard, on a back of a length and on middle, Sean Abbott looks to punch it straight back over the bowler's head but fails to read the lack of pace. Goes through with the shot early and chops it high over mid on. Haris Rauf swivels back and takes a good running catch behind to get the big wicket Pakistan were after!

Just short of Mohammad Hasnain! The lack of timing saves Sean Abbott this time! Short and on middle, Sean Abbott miscues his pull in front of deep fine leg. Hasnain charges down to the ball but it just dips in front of him despite a dive. Abbott takes no run!

Comes back into the attack and digs it short, over off, Sean Abbott swings across to pull but misses.

Full and on off, Spencer Johnson stabs it well off the front foot to cover.

Full and angling away, outside off, Spencer Johnson looks to force it through the off side but misses on the outside edge.

Short of a length, on off, Sean Abbott taps it in front of covers and takes a single.

SIX! Picked the bones off that one did Abbott! First one of the game and it comes in the 31st over! This is short and over middle, Sean Abbott reads the length early and nails his pull over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Short and on middle and leg, Sean Abbott charges down the track backing away a long way but manages to whip it off the outer half to mid-wicket.

Back of a length, on off, Sean Abbott dabs it to point and denies the run.

Back of a length and on off, Spencer Johnson stays back and keeps it out on the pitch. 8 runs off the over!

FOUR! Another boundary! Short again and outside off too, Spencer Johnson slaps it away in the air and wide of third man. The fielder runs to his right and tries to push it back inside on the bounce but it goes away for a boundary.

Nasty delivery! Haris Rauf bangs this hard into the pitch, on middle, angling in with steep bounce. Spencer Johnson gets hurried but manages to glove it down on the pitch.

FOUR! Fine shot! Haris Rauf lands this back of a length and outside off, Spencer Johnson gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Short of a length and around off, Spencer Johnson cuts it straight to backward point.

Fuller and on off, Spencer Johnson pushes it towards cover-point.

Hard length and outside off again, shapes away, Sean Abbott makes room and throws his bat at it but misses.

Short of a length and outside off, Sean Abbott sways away from it.

Back of a length and on middle, Sean Abbott stays back and blocks it out.

Just over! Pitched up and on middle, Sean Abbott chips it in the air and just over the fielder at mid on for a brace.

On a length and on leg, Sean Abbott flicks it through square leg but denies the single.

Fuller and around off, Spencer Johnson drives it through cover-point as two fielders chase after it and work in tandem to stop it. Three runs taken.

Back of a length and on off, Sean Abbott keeps it out to the off side.

Short of a length and outside off, Spencer Johnson cuts it through point for a run.

Fuller and around off, Spencer Johnson drills it wide of short covers where the fielder makes a fine diving stop.

Good bowling! Hard-length delivery, on middle, nips back in sharply, Spencer Johnson looks to play at it but misses as it goes off the pads to the keeper.

On a length and around off, Sean Abbott pushes it towards covers and calls for the run. There is a bit of hesitation, but Kamran Ghulam chooses not to throw at the batter's end as no one was backing up.

Short of a length and on middle, Sean Abbott stays back and blocks it out.

Spencer Johnson walks out to bat next for Australia!

OUT! TAKEN! Naseem Shah has three now! He lands this short of a length and on off. Adam Zampa backs away to cut it away but there is not enough width for that shot. He ends up lobbing it straight into the hands of Saim Ayub at backward point who makes no mistake. A handy knock from Zampa comes to an end now!

Good length and on middle, Adam Zampa blocks it out.

Back of a length and around off, Sean Abbott guides it through point for one.

BEAUTY! Full again and on middle, shapes away sharply, Sean Abbott gets squared up trying to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pitched up and on middle, Sean Abbott knocks it down the pitch.

FOUR! Just wide! Fuller and around off, Sean Abbott slices it aerially just wide of the diving point fielder. Shaheen Afridi in the deep runs to his left, dives in but fails to get enough on it to stop it. He leaps up to flick it back inside on the second attempt but it goes away for a boundary.

Naseem Shah comes back into the attack.

Another swing and miss! Slower one, on a length and on off, Adam Zampa tries to heave across the line but only connects with thin air.

Goes for another bouncer, but too high this time, Adam Zampa swings and misses. Wided.

A lovely yorker, on middle, Adam Zampa digs it down the pitch.

Hard length and on middle, takes off a bit, Adam Zampa keeps it out to the leg side.

Shaheen Afridi is hurt after that nasty blow on the left thumb. The physio is out and the umpires have decided to take a drinks break! Pakistan have maintained relentless pressure so far, but this partnership of 24 runs may be starting to test their patience. Australia have plenty of overs and time on their side, and their focus will be to steadily accumulate runs and build momentum. If they can push the scoreboard closer to the 160-run mark, they’ll give themselves a real opportunity to challenge Pakistan's batting. With that said, Shaheen Afridi seems fit to continue and he'll be hoping to break this stand and pile pressure back on the Aussies!

Shaheen Afridi looks in some discomfort here! This is short of a length and on middle, Sean Abbott pulls it straight to mid-wicket and sets off for the run. The fielder throws at the bowler's end where Afridi tries to collect it but the ball bounces a bit more and hits his left thumb. He is in a lot of pain and Babar Azam comes in to check on him.

Goes fuller and on off, Sean Abbott drives it firmly but straight to short covers.

A slower bouncer from Shaheen Afridi, outside off, Sean Abbott thinks about the pull initially but does not go through with it.

Hard length and around off, Sean Abbott guides it through cover-point for one more.

Right in the blockhole, on middle and leg, Adam Zampa backs away and digs it off the inner half of the bat towards fine leg for one.

Mohammad Hasnain bangs it into the pitch again, gets some extra bounce as well, Adam Zampa once again fails to cut it away.

Short of a length and outside off, Adam Zampa tries to cut it away but misses it completely.

Back of a length and around off, Sean Abbott slices it on the bounce to third man for a run.

Full and on middle, angling in, Adam Zampa tucks it through square leg for a single.

Fuller and on middle, Adam Zampa chips it over the bowler and towards mid on for one.

A bouncer from Shaheen Afridi, on middle, Adam Zampa backs away for the pull but misses.

Short again from Afridi, on middle, Sean Abbott pulls it wide of deep square leg for a single.

Good length and on off, Sean Abbott dabs it down to point.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Back of a length and on off, sits up nicely for the batter. Sean Abbott picks up the length early and hammers it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

On a length and on middle and off, Sean Abbott blocks it down the pitch.

Good length and on middle, Adam Zampa pats it down to mid on.

Mohammad Hasnain goes for another bouncer, but bowls it a bit too high, Adam Zampa fails to pull it. It is called a wide.

Short and around middle, Adam Zampa once again misses out on his pull.

100 up for Australia! Pitched up and on middle, Sean Abbott clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Back of a length and outside off, Sean Abbott throws his bat at it but misses.

Short of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter. Adam Zampa looks to hook it away but gloves it towards backward square leg for a single. He now takes a hit on his bowling hand.

EDGED AND FOUR! Mohammad Hasnain bowls this full and around off, Adam Zampa makes room and slashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge that just flies over the outstretched right hand of first slip for a boundary.

Bangs it into the pitch again and outside off, Sean Abbott lets it go to the keeper.

Uppish but safe! Pitched up and around off, Adam Zampa drives it aerially but wide of mid off. Babar Azam chases after it and slides in to stop it. Two runs taken.

Swing and a miss! Shaheen Afridi bangs it short this time and on off, Adam Zampa tries to pull it away but fails to connect.

Shaheen Afridi nails the yorker here, on off, angling away, Adam Zampa fails to dig it out.

Back of a length and on off, Adam Zampa dabs it down to point.

Short of a length and on middle, Sean Abbott pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length and outside off, shaping away, Adam Zampa flays at it but misses.

Pitched up and on middle again, Adam Zampa gets a bit late to put his bat down and gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Full and on middle, Adam Zampa clips it past square leg for a couple of runs.

Adam Zampa walks in at next for Australia! The on-air commentators inform that Cooper Connolly has been taken for scans and might not return to bat or field. That could be the body blow for Australia!

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mohammad Hasnain joins the party here! The Hulk goes now and Australia are in all sorts of trouble. Hard-length delivery, on the sixth stump line, angles in but holds its line. Marcus Stoinis hops back and looks to punch it away but gets a bit hurried by the extra bounce and nicks it behind where Mohammad Rizwan takes a good catch to his right. Australia are 88/6 now!

Fuller one and on the pads, Sean Abbott whips it on the bounce to fine leg for a single.

Mohammad Hasnain hits the length hard and around off, Sean Abbott withdraws his bat very late to leave it.

A bit closer to the off-stump line this time, but Marcus Stoinis is happy to let it go through too.

Outside off, on a length, Marcus Stoinis opts to let it go past.

A bit fuller and on off, Marcus Stoinis leans on and drives it well but cant beat the gap at cover.

Short and over middle, Marcus Stoinis gets low and ducks under.

Full and on middle, Marcus Stoinis gets his bat ahead and times it to mid on.

Outside off, on a length, Marcus Stoinis has a slash at it away from his body and misses out. A slight hint of frustration and impatience from Stoinis on that one!

Fuller and outside off, Sean Abbott lets this one go through.

Short of a length, outside off, Sean Abbott rides the bounce and punches it through cover for a brace.

Angling in, on a hard length, over middle and leg, Sean Abbott awkwardly fends it down in front of square leg.

Fuller than a good length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis drives it well but straight to deep cover for a single.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Sean Abbott gets right behind the line and knocks it to the on side for a quick single.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis tucks it down to the left of the keeper for a single.

WIDE! Hasnain digs it very short and over middle, Marcus Stoinis drops his wrists and lets it go past.

Short of a length, over off, Sean Abbott hops back and dabs it to point.

Back of a length and on off, Sean Abbott forces it out to cover.

Full and on off, Marcus Stoinis drives it straight past the bowler for a single.

Good length, on off, Sean Abbott taps it to cover for a single.

Sean Abbott walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Haris Rauf gets the better of Glenn Maxwell again! What a delivery to have the name of Maxwell on it for the third time in this series! He steams in and lands this on a good length, with the angle coming into the batter, on middle and leg, with express pace, Glenn Maxwell is hurried back and looks to tuck it across the line. He closes the bat face a bit too early and a leading edge flies out to Saim Ayub at backward point. He takes a solid reverse cup catch over his head and Glenn Maxwell trudges back for a duck. Australia are half down for just 79 runs!

On a fuller than a good length, on off, Glenn Maxwell taps it down the deck.

Short of a length, just outside off, Marcus Stoinis looks to steer it behind square on the off side but misses to get any bat on it.

Into the deck, on a hard length, over middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis tucks it down the deck.

Back of a length, over the stumps, Marcus Stoinis trusts the bounce and decides to leave it alone.

Cooper Connolly has retired hurt and Glenn Maxwell replaces him now.

Halt! Cooper Connolly got hit on his fingers earlier in the over and the physio is in to check on him. His left hand does look a bit puffy and unfortunately, he has to walk off the field now.

Wider on off, on a fuller length, Cooper Connolly frees his arms and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Bangs the short one, over off with express pace backing up, Cooper Connolly is very late on the pull and only manages to squeeze it down off the glove.

Good length, over middle and off, Cooper Connolly dabs it down the deck.

Oh wow, Haris Rauf follows up with a peach! Full and angling in, outside off, Marcus Stoinis has a feel for it and the ball zips past the outside edge.

FOUR! Gets hold off it right does Stoinis! That will do his confidence a lot of good now! Short and over off, Marcus Stoinis hops back and ramps it firmly over backward point for a boundary.

A well-directed bouncer, over middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis half ducks under it.

Into the pads, on a fuller length, Marcus Stoinis gets his bat ahead and drills it straight past the bowler but cant beat mid on to his left.

Length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis leaves it alone.

Beauty to begin again! A bit full and just outside off, the ball holds its line and goes past the outside edge as Stoinis fiddles with it with no conviction.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Marcus Stoinis tucks it behind to deep backward square leg region and gets a single to get off the mark.

Bashes the deck, on a length, just outside off, Marcus Stoinis hops back and looks to play at it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

On a good length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis is happy to leave it alone.

Charges in at the stumps, fuller in length, Marcus Stoinis taps it back to the bowler with a full presentation of the face of his bat.

On a fuller length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis shoulders arms at it.

Into the pads, on a good length, Cooper Connolly fails to clip it across and the ball goes behind off his pads. The scamper a quick leg bye.

Fires it in, full and at the stumps, Marcus Stoinis pushes it out to cover.

Drinks! Pakistan are on top here and with two new batters at the crease, they will look to put pressure on the middle order and restrict them to as low as possible. The fiery pace attack has delivered again and they will want to continue the good work. Australia needs a partnership here to get back in the game or else it could be a repeat of the 2nd ODI. Also, Marcus Stoinis walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Matthew Short's grit comes to an end and Australia slip down further. He couldn't have picked the fielder any better on this one! Haris Rauf digs it in short and on middle, sits well for Short to execute his pull but he fails to get the desired timing on this one. Hits it flat and straight to Irfan Khan at shortish deep square leg who takes it comfortably around his stomach with both hands. Australia are now 72/4 and are desperate for a partnership to bail them out of this early trouble.

Fuller than a good length, just outside off, Cooper Connolly waits for the ball to get to him and steers it to deep point for a single.

Full and on off, Cooper Connolly confidently leans ahead and firms it to cover.

Back of a length, over off, Matthew Short pulls it past mid on to his right and gets three too. Runs have all of a sudden started to come quickly for Australia!

Full and on middle and off, Cooper Connolly leans across and drives it beautifully through point for three runs.

Back of a length, over middle, Short rolls his wrist over the ball and pulls tit to deep square leg for a brace.

WIDE! Third one off the over! This is short and outside off, Matthew Short looks to pull but withdraws the shot at the very end, letting it go through.

Attacking the stumps, on a good length, Matthew Short shows full face and taps it past the bowler but mid on mops it up quickly.

Short and over middle, Cooper Connolly quickly swivels and pulls it off the upper half to deep fine leg for a single.

Into the deck, on a back of a length, over middle, Cooper Connolly dabs it down the deck.

Back of a length, angling away, outside off, Cooper Connolly has a wild slash at it but misses.

WIDE! And again! Naseem Shah gets the ball to swing in, but errs in line and serves it down leg.

Angling across, on a fuller length, outside off, Cooper Connolly looks to firm his drive but misses due to the lack of bounce this time.

WIDE! Full and slightly down leg, Cooper Connolly fails to flick it away and the umpire signals it a wide.

Goes full and on off, Matthew Short miscues his drive straight back to the bowler to his left.

On a length, just outside off, Matthew Short pushes it out to point.

Into the pads, on a hard length, Cooper Connolly looks to yuck it across but misses. The ball goes off his pads and the batters steal a quick leg bye.

WIDE! Sliding down leg, on a length, Cooper Connolly holds his wrist high and lets it go. Mohammad Rizwan does well to move to his right and collect it.

Short of a length, over off, Cooper Connolly reads the length early and decides to duck under.

Into the deck, on a hard length, angling in, over middle, Cooper Connolly fails to keep it out and gets beaten high onto his thigh.

Starts from around the wicket and lands it on a good length, over off, Cooper Connolly hops back and dabs it to point.

On a good length, on middle, Cooper Connolly pushes it to mid off and gets a single.

Cooper Connolly is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Naseem Shah gets the Aussie captain and the trick to bang short ones has worked perfectly right for Pakistan! Digs it in short and on off, with good pace behind the delivery, Josh Inglis looks for the pull but is a bit too late on the shot. Gets a top edge that skies behind straight to Mohammad Rizwan who settles under and takes the simplest of catches. He points out to Naseem Shah with an ear-to-ear smile which shows that the trick was perfectly executed! Australia in some sort of trouble now at 56/3!

On a good length, outside off with some extra zip off the deck, Josh Inglis is happy to leave it alone.

Into the deck again, on a back of a length, outside off, Josh Inglis shoulders arms.

WIDE! A bit wayward, outside off, on a length, Josh Inglis gets closer to the line but leaves it alone.

Keeps it tight again, on middle and drags the length back by a bit, Matthew Short taps it to cover and steals a quick single.

Bashes the deck hard, on a good length and over middle, Matthew Short jams it out with hard hands to cover-point.

End of Powerplay 1! Pakistan can now have up to four fielders outside the 30-yard circle. But given the momentum they've built so far, they’d likely be eager to keep the pressure on and maintain a tight field.

Hard length and on middle, Josh Inglis pats it down the pitch.

Good length but just outside off, Josh Inglis leaves it alone. Wided.

Pitched up, on middle, Matthew Short knocks it towards mid on for one.

Touch fuller and on middle, shaping in, Matthew Short looks to play at it but misses and gets hit on the pads. A stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down.

EDGED AND FOUR! Mohammad Hasnain bangs this short again, on middle, Matthew Short goes for the pull but the ball gets big on him. He gets a top edge that flies over the keeper's head for a boundary.

On a length and around off, Matthew Short guides it to backward point.

Mohammad Hasnain starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, on off, Matthew Short miscues his pull towards mid-wicket.

Mohammad Hasnain is introduced into the attack as the first change for Pakistan!

Short of a length and outside off, Josh Inglis maybe expecting an in-swinger gets late on his cut shot and misses.

This is some fast bowling from Pakistan! Full once more and on off, shapes away again, Josh Inglis throws his hands it but misses again.

So close! Shaheen Afridi serves this full again and around off, shaping away, Josh Inglis looks for the big drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

A bit fuller this time, on off, Josh Inglis fends it off the bottom half of the bat down the pitch.

Good length and on off, angling away, Josh Inglis leaves it alone.

Short of a length and on middle, Matthew Short swipes it off the inside half of the bat through square leg for a single.

Full again and around off, Josh Inglis strides out and pushes it to short covers.

Touch fuller and on off again, Josh Inglis lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.

Back of a length and just outside off, Josh Inglis leaves it alone.

Excellent comeback from Naseem Shah! Hard length and on the fifth stump line, straightens after hitting the deck, Josh Inglis looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length and around leg, Josh Inglis nudges it through mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Lovely shot from the skipper! Fuller in length and on middle, Josh Inglis this time drives it beautifully with a straight bat past the bowler and mid on for another boundary.

FOUR! Oh..wow! Shaheen Afridi goes a bit too full this time, on off, Matthew Short stays in his crease, presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously past mid off for a boundary.

Pitched up and on middle, Josh Inglis clips it to mid-wicket.

Short of a length and well outside off, angling away, Josh Inglis leaves it alone.

Fuller one and around off, Josh Inglis pushes it to short covers.

On a length and on leg, Josh Inglis tucks it to short leg.

The Aussie skipper, Josh Inglis walks out to bat at number 4!

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi strikes now! He deserves that wicket and Aaron Hardie's struggles in the middle come to an end now. This is on a good length and on the sixth stump line, shaping away. Aaron Hardie takes a couple of steps forward and gets into two minds about whether to play or not. Decides to leave it alone as he tries to lift his bat but is late, the ball catches the outside edge and flies to second slip where Salman Agha takes a sharp catch. Australia two down now!

Overpitched and around off, Aaron Hardie drills it down the ground past mid off for three runs.

FOUR! Top shot! Much more in control! Naseem goes for the glory ball but serves this too full and angling into the pads. Aaron Hardie brings his wrists into play and flicks it away with beautiful timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Streaky again! Naseem Shah hits the length hard and on off, gets some extra bounce again and shapes away. Aaron Hardie has a poke but gets an outside edge that beats the dive of gully and third slip to race away to the boundary.

Back of a length and on off, Matthew Short lets it come to him this time and crunches it through extra covers for three runs.

Play and a miss! Naseem Shah bowls this on a good length and around off, nips away with extra bounce. Matthew Short tries to punch it away but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

On a length, over off, Matthew Short with soft hands dabs it out to gully.

Overpitched and around off, Aaron Hardie drills it towards cover-point.

Pitched up and on the fifth stump line, shaping in, Aaron Hardie once again misses out on his drive.

A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in sharply. Aaron Hardie looks to play at it but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a big discussion between the players and Mohammad Rizwan, but by the time he signals the 'T', time runs out. The good thing for Rizwan and Pakistan is that the Ball Tracking shows it to go over the leg stump.

That's a beauty! Full again and on off, gets it to shape inside this time, Aaron Hardie looks to drive it straight down the ground but gets beaten on the inside edge.

A bit fuller and around off, angling away, Aaron Hardie plays inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.

Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Aaron Hardie looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad as the ball lobs to the leg side.

BEATEN! Naseem Shah lands this on a hard length and just outside off, tempting the batter. Matthew Short looks to drive it on the up but the ball zips past the outside edge. Excellent over from Naseem Shah!

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle and off, Matthew Short strides out and taps it to covers.

Errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side, Matthew Short misses his flick. Wided.

Back of a length and outside off, Aaron Hardie cuts it through cover-point for a single and gets off the mark.

On a length and on off, Aaron Hardie pushes it down the pitch.

BEAUTY! Fuller and just around off, nips away again, Aaron Hardie tries to drive it through covers but gets beaten on the outside edge. Very nearly two in two for Shah!

Aaron Hardie walks out to bat at number 3 for Australia!

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Naseem Shah draws first blood! Jake Fraser-McGurk fails again and departs for another low score. This one is full and on off, angles in and then straightens a bit. JFM looks for the big booming drive but without any footwork, gets a thick outside edge behind where Mohammad Rizwan makes no mistake. Australia rocked early once more!

Back of a length and outside off, Matthew Short leaves it alone. Australia survives the 3rd over for the first time in this series.

Short of a length and on leg, Matthew Short misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Pitches it up, on off, Matthew Short tries to drive it away but drags it past mid off for a couple of runs.

BEATEN! Shaheen Afridi hits the hard length and around off, angles away. Matthew Short plays for the shape in but the ball zips past the outside edge to the keeper.

Touch fuller and around leg, angles away, Matthew Short gets squared up and gets a leading edge on two bounces to point.

Missed out there! Shaheen Afridi bangs this short and on middle, Matthew Short looks for the pull but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pads.

Overpitched and around middle, Jake Fraser-McGurk drills it down the pitch where it hits the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.

Full again and on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk drives it straight to short covers.

Goes fuller and on middle, Jake Fraser-McGurk clips it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Short of a length and on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk dabs it down to point.

FOUR! Streaky! Back of a length and in that channel outside off, takes off again. Jake Fraser-McGurk has a poke at it but gets an outside edge that flies between second slip and gully for a boundary.

Naseem Shah begins with a hard-length delivery around off, shapes away with good bounce, Jake Fraser-McGurk shoulders arms to it.

Naseem Shah to start from the other end!

Touch fuller and around off, Matthew Short opens the face and drills it through cover-point. Two fielders chase after it and work in tandem to stop it, but the batters take four runs anyway. 12 runs off the first over then!

Good length and on middle, nips away, Jake Fraser-McGurk steers it towards point for a run.

Back of a length and just outside off, Jake Fraser-McGurk lets it go again. It is called a wide. Tough call as it looked inside the tramline.

FIVE WIDES! Handy extras for Australia! Shaheen Afridi loses his line and bowls this very full and outside off, this one angles further away. Jake Fraser-McGurk leaves it alone, Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps dives to his right but fails to reach it as the ball runs away to the third man fence for a boundary.

Goes fuller again and on middle, shaping in this time, Jake Fraser-McGurk flicks it well but straight to short mid-wicket.

Australia and Matthew Short are underway now! Pitched up and around off, Matthew Short drives it towards extra covers for a single.

Short of a length and outside off, Matthew Short looks to cut but chops it down on the off side.

EDGED BUT SAFE! Shaheen Afridi starts with a full delivery, on off, shaping away a shy bit. Matthew Short goes for the big drive but gets an outside edge along the ground to first slip.

In all readiness for the action to begin! The two umpires stride out to the centre! The Pakistan team takes to the field, spreading out with purpose and intensity while Mohammad Rizwan has a big smile on his face. Australian openers, Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk walk confidently to the crease, ready to face the challenge ahead. At the top of his mark is Shaheen Afridi ready to start the proceedings. Here we go!

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (C/WK), Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Lance Morris.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the coin flip and they have decided to bowl first!

Pakistan, meanwhile, comes into the decider brimming with confidence and momentum. Haris Rauf, clearly benefiting from his Big Bash League experience, has been phenomenal with 8 wickets in 2 games, including a brilliant five-for last match. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have also thrived on these pace-friendly wickets. Their openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, found form just in time, though Babar Azam's performance remains a concern. Skipper Rizwan has been steady in the middle order, adding consistency. Newcomers Kamran Ghulam and Irfan Khan will be eager to make their mark and push Pakistan toward a memorable series win. Will the Men in Green make history, or can Australia mount a comeback? Stay tuned - Toss and team news are coming right up.

With Cummins absent, Josh Inglis steps up to lead the side. Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have a prime opportunity to stake their claim for a future opening spot. The bowling lineup may look a bit different, but with three top-notch all-rounders like Stoinis, Maxwell, and Hardie, the team gains a solid balance. The young players will be eager to make an impact, and familiar home conditions should boost their confidence heading into this decider.

Australia grabbed the lead with a hard-fought victory, thanks to skipper Pat Cummins’ clutch performance with the bat. But the visitors struck back with commanding dominance in the second game. Truthfully, Australia’s batting has looked shaky in both matches, and now, with the 'big five' – Smith, Marnus, Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins – rested ahead of the upcoming Test series, it’ll be intriguing to see how they rise to the challenge in this series decider.

Hello and a warm welcome, everyone! The Australian summer has kicked off with a thrilling start. The three-match ODI series against Pakistan is perfectly poised at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting decider at the stunning Optus Stadium in Burswood. We’ve been treated to some fantastic cricket across the first two games, and with the stakes higher than ever, more entertainment is certainly on the cards.

... MATCH DAY ...

The caravan has moved to Perth for the third and final ODI between Australia and Pakistan, with the series perfectly poised at 1-1. The Perth Stadium will serve as the stage for this deciding clash, and both teams will be eager to secure the series victory. In the second ODI in Adelaide, Pakistan’s pace attack was relentless, where they bowled out Australia for a modest 163 before comfortably chasing it down with just one wicket lost in 26.3 overs. Australia will be looking for a swift turnaround after the heavy defeat in Adelaide, but they will have to do so without some of their most seasoned players. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne have been rested to ensure they are fresh for the upcoming Test series against India. Josh Inglis will lead a relatively inexperienced squad, particularly in the bowling department, with opportunities likely for Lance Morris, Xavier Bartlett, and Spencer Johnson to step up and fill the void left by the rested pace trio. Marcus Stoinis, who has yet to feature in the series, is expected to slot in and lend some much-needed experience in both batting and bowling. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf spearheaded their bowling effort with a superb five-wicket haul, building on his form from Melbourne, while the rest of the pace attack provided excellent support to stifle Australia’s batting. The visitors head into the Perth decider with momentum firmly in their grasp, following a clinical display in Adelaide. Historically, they have been a team that has become difficult to stop once they have gathered momentum, whether in bilateral series or ICC tournaments. A win here would be momentous for Pakistan, who haven’t clinched an ODI series in Australia since 2002. Since then, they have faced heavy defeats, with scorelines of 5-0 and 4-1 in favour of the hosts. With Australia missing five key players in this match, Pakistan have a golden opportunity to rewrite history in Perth. Can they make it happen and turn the series in their favour? We shall find out soon enough.