Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Australia lost the deciding third ODI against Pakistan in Lahore on Thursday after another disappointing batting performance saw the visitors fall to a four wicket defeat and surrender the series 2 to 1. Despite a fighting innings from stand in captain Josh Inglis and a strong bowling display from Matt Kuhnemann, Australia’s total of 157 proved insufficient as Pakistan completed the chase with relative comfort.
The result handed Pakistan a third consecutive ODI series victory over Australia and continued concerns around Australia’s batting consistency in subcontinent conditions.
Pakistan had already won the opening match in Rawalpindi before Australia levelled the series earlier this week in Lahore.
Inglis provides lone resistance
After a short delay caused by rain, Australia elected to bat first but quickly ran into trouble.
Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with only the second ball of the innings when Matt Short was caught at mid on.
While wickets continued falling around him, Josh Inglis remained Australia’s only consistent source of runs.
The wicketkeeper batter played aggressively from the beginning, attacking Afridi and taking on Pakistan’s spin attack with confidence.
Inglis produced several eye catching strokes including a powerful inside out six over cover and reverse sweeps that regularly disrupted Pakistan’s spinners.
His innings of 65 became the foundation of Australia’s total.
Unfortunately for the visitors, support proved difficult to find.
Costly collapse hurts Australia again
Australia’s innings lost momentum during the middle overs following an unfortunate run out involving Marnus Labuschagne.
The right hander, who scored 19, was caught short after confusion over a second run ended with Arafat Minhas producing a direct hit.
Alex Carey also made 19 before losing his middle stump to a delivery that moved back sharply.
The turning point arrived soon after.
Australia collapsed dramatically from 3 for 98 to 7 for 131 as Pakistan’s attack tightened control.
Inglis and Cameron Green departed within three deliveries of each other, both falling to Afridi.
Matt Renshaw, who had been Australia’s strongest performer throughout the series, managed only four before edging to slip.
Only Adam Zampa reached double figures among the lower order with 10.
Australia were eventually dismissed for 157 in 42 overs.
Pakistan wobble before recovering
Australia’s bowlers ensured Pakistan’s chase was not entirely straightforward.
Nathan Ellis provided an early breakthrough while Matt Short dismissed Maaz Sadaqat to leave Pakistan at 2 for 41.
Matt Kuhnemann then produced an impressive spell that briefly created tension.
The spinner collected three wickets and removed key batter Babar Azam, who top scored with 40.
Kuhnemann’s control and variation helped Australia remain competitive despite defending a modest target.
Pakistan still required composure.
That came through Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan.
The pair combined for an unbeaten partnership worth 49 runs to guide Pakistan home and secure the series victory.
Pakistan continue strong ODI record against Australia
The series result extends Pakistan’s recent dominance over Australia in bilateral ODI contests.
It marked Pakistan’s third successive 2 to 1 ODI series victory over Australia.
Two of those wins have come at home while one was achieved away from Pakistan.
For Australia, attention will likely focus on batting concerns after repeated collapses across the series.
While bowlers regularly kept matches competitive, totals consistently placed pressure on the attack.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will take confidence from another series victory built on disciplined bowling and timely contributions from experienced players.
Pakistan’s ability to recover from difficult moments throughout the series ultimately proved decisive as Australia’s batting struggles again came at the worst possible time.