In the third ODI, Pakistan’s pace attack once again wreaked havoc on Australia in the last ODI of the series to push the visitors on the verge of winning a rare series in Australian soil. Despite having a tough time all through the series, Australia still managed to go down to speedsters for the fourth consecutive time, losing their half side for just 79 runs. They got all out for 140 runs despite more than 18 overs still available for the batting. Both Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were the star bowlers as they put Pakistan in a very dominant position.
Batting Struggles Continue For Australia
Although Australia was off to a poor start, after the initial good fortune, they saw things swing in their favour after reaching 18/0 after two overs. Soon, Pakistan started to take control, and the woe from Jake Fraser-McGurk’s batting continued as he edged Naseem Shah behind for a meagre 7. Aaron Hardie, promoted to No. 3, looked promising with a couple of elegant shots but departed indecisively to Shaheen Afridi as Australia reached 54/2 after 10 overs.
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Haris Rauf & Naseem Shah Crush Australia
Naseem’s bowling changes soon brought their first fruit as Josh Inglis got only a top edge while trying for a pull shot. It were then matters to aggravate further for Australia as Matthew Short was dismissed, hitting straight to a fielder in the deep, and Haris Rauf grabbed his first wicket. There was further setback as Cooper Connolly injured his glove and had to leave the field, not to return. Glenn Maxwell, who badly needed runs, fell for a duck to Rauf and the total was at 79/6 and Australia was in deep trouble.
Shaheen Afridi Puts Pakistan In A Dominant Position
Marcus Stoinis, who sought his batting form, couldn’t make a dent himself with just 8 runs off 25 balls. There was no sign of recovery as Australian team’s chances kept dwindling with Pakistani pacers continuing to apply pressure. All the while Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott were able to get Australia past the triple figure mark, but it was when rather than if. A six from Abbott gave his side a slight glimmer of hope only for that to be snuffed out immediately by two scalps in successive deliveries by Shaheen Afridi helped pile up Australia for 140.
Naseem Shah sent back Jake Fraser McGurk, the Aussie captain Josh Inglis and Adam Zampa. While Shaheen Afridi picked the wickets of- Aaron Hardie, Sean Abott and Lance Morris. Going further Haris Rauf dismissed opener Matt Short and the Aussie all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
