LAHORE: Pakistan sealed a memorable home series victory on Thursday, defeating Australia by four wickets in the third ODI at Gaddafi Stadium to clinch the series 2-1 in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Series sealed ✅
An unbeaten 49-run stand from Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan guides Pakistan through a tricky chase as they clinch the ODI series 2️⃣-1️⃣ against Australia 🏏#PAKvAUS | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/3wG4cYwicZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 4, 2026
Chasing a modest target of 158 after bowling out the visitors for a paltry 157, the Green Shirts reached 161 for 6 with 49 balls to spare, a chase that was never in serious doubt despite a few middle-order stutters.
Australia collapse for 157
Earlier, Australia captain Josh Inglis won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that backfired spectacularly as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the second ball of the match, removing Matthew Short for a golden duck.
Inglis fought back with a fluent 65 off 71 balls, but found no support as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened the screws.
Shaheen finished with exceptional figures of 3 for 30 from eight overs, while Abrar Ahmed (2 for 19 from 10 overs) and Shadab Khan (2 for 28) choked the middle order. Abrar’s miserly spell included 44 dot balls, strangling Australia’s run flow.
The visitors were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs – their lowest total against Pakistan on Pakistani soil.
Shadab and Samad steady nerves
Pakistan’s chase began positively, with Sahibzada Farhan (6) and Maaz Sadaqat (27) putting on 27 for the first wicket. But when Babar Azam fell for a patient 40 off 84 balls, trapped lbw by Matthew Kuhnemann, Pakistan found themselves wobbling at 112 for 5. Arafat Minhas followed soon after without adding to the score.
Flicked it with finesse 💫
Abdul Samad cracks a timely boundary 🏏
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Watch Live: https://t.co/M8wsOD8omx#PAKvAUS | #TakraarKaTime | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/5lZSGhpGDD— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 4, 2026
With the home crowd growing restless, Shadab Khan walked to the crease and played the innings of the match. His unbeaten 29 off 42 balls, combined with Abdul Samad’s composed 18 not out, guided Pakistan safely home. The pair put on an unbroken 49-run stand for the seventh wicket, ensuring victory with more than eight overs to spare.
.@76Shadabkhan pulls it sweetly for a welcome boundary for Pakistan 🏏
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Watch Live: https://t.co/M8wsOD8omx#PAKvAUS | #TakraarKaTime | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/UXBbQfLwqH— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 4, 2026
Kuhnemann was Australia’s best bowler, claiming 3 for 38 from his 10 overs, but lacked support from the other end.
The winning runs came in the 42nd over when Shadab nudged a single to mid-wicket, sparking wild celebrations at Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led from the front with the ball, embraced his teammates as the series trophy was secured.
Pakistan record their third successive ODI series victory over Australia 👏
Winners of the Bank Alfalah Presents KFC Pakistan vs Australia ODI Series 2026 🇵🇰🙌#PAKvAUS | #TakraarKaTime | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/AF4eP3cdNA
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 4, 2026
Brief Scores
Australia: 157 all out in 42 overs (Josh Inglis 65, Shaheen Afridi 3-30, Abrar Ahmed 2-19, Shadab Khan 2-28)
Pakistan: 161 for 6 in 41.5 overs (Babar Azam 40, Shadab Khan 29*, Maaz Sadaqat 27, Matthew Kuhnemann 3-38)
Result: Pakistan won by 4 wickets (with 49 balls remaining)
Series: Pakistan wins three-match ODI series 2-1
