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- PAK vs AUS Live Score, 3rd ODI
PAK vs AUS Live Score, 3rd ODI
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to make the most of conditions that appeared similar to those seen in the previous match. Captain Josh Inglis expressed confidence in his batting unit after a strong showing in the second ODI and revealed that Cooper Connolly comes into the side as the visitors look to post a commanding total.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have retained the same XI that helped them level the series. Captain Shaheen Afridi believes the pitch has remained unchanged and stressed the importance of bowling disciplined lines and breaking partnerships early. Much of Pakistan’s hopes will once again rest on the pace trio of Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, while Babar Azam enters the contest with renewed confidence after finding form with a half-century earlier in the series.
One of the major talking points has been the emergence of Arafat Minhas, who announced himself with a five-wicket haul on ODI debut. The youngster will be keen to continue his impressive run in a match carrying high stakes.
The occasion also carries an emotional touch as legendary Pakistan supporter Chacha Cricket, known for following the team across the globe, is set to make his final appearance at the venue. With clear skies returning after heavy rain earlier in the day, fans will be hoping for an uninterrupted contest and a fitting finale to a closely fought series.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Fired in, on off, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, FOUR! Nicely played! Flatter, on middle and leg, Babar Azam stays back in his crease and flicks it magnificently through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Too full, outside off, Babar Azam drives it through cover for a brace.
- Ghazi Ghori 8 (11)
- Babar Azam 7 (28)
Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, Nice and full, on middle, Ghazi Ghori blocks it to the right of the bowler.
Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, Short ball, on middle and leg, Ghazi Ghori pulls it thrugh square leg for a brace.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Nice and full, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket for another run.
The helmet comes on as Australia place a backward short leg fielder to put pressure on the batters.
Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, Quicker, on middle and leg, Ghazi Ghori tucks it to square leg for another single.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Flatter, on middle, Babar Azam turns it to mid-wicket for a single.
Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, Darts it in, on leg, Ghazi Ghori flicks it to short fine leg for a single.
- Babar Azam 5 (26)
- Ghazi Ghori 4 (7)
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, How has that missed the stumps! Short, on off, and it turns away sharply. Babar Azam leans on and looks to block it but gets beaten. The ball just missed the top of off. They think of reviewing it but go against it.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, Short, on off, Ghazi Ghori tucks it to short mid-wicket for a quick single.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Fired in, on middle, Babar Azam flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Appeal for caught behind, but nothing from the umpire. Short, and it turns away. Babar Azam looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge. An appeal but turned down. The replay later shows that the noise was of the bat hitting the ground.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Drags his length back, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Beaten! Turn and bounce, just outside off, Babar Azam leans on and looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.
Powerplay 2! A maximum of four fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the 40th over now. Australia need to keep chipping in with wickets to make a game out of this.
- Babar Azam 4 (21)
- Ghazi Ghori 3 (6)
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Short of a length, on middle and leg. Babar Azam goes deep into the crease and clips it to deep square leg for one.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Full, at the stumps, Babar Azam pushes it back to the bowler.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Floated and much fuller, on middle. Babar Azam jams it back to the bowler.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Short, on off, Babar Azam punches it from his back foot to mid off.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Pitches it up, does Short, around the pads of the batter. Babar Azam clips it to square leg.
Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, Full, on middle, Ghazi Ghori flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
- Babar Azam 3 (16)
- Ghazi Ghori 2 (5)
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, Another cutter, around off, on the back of a good length. Babar Azam hops and dabs it down. Just one run from the over!
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, Off cutter, just outside off, fuller in length, Babar Azam shuffles across the line and blocks it back to the bowler.
Nathan Ellis to Ghazi Ghori, Overpitched, around the boots of the batter, Ghori clips it toward backward square leg. Matt Renshaw is the man who flings himself to his right and makes a one-handed stop. However, the batter gets a single.
Nathan Ellis to Ghazi Ghori, Change of pace now, fuller, on off, Ghazi Ghori drives it to mid off.
Nathan Ellis to Ghazi Ghori, Fuller, just outside off, angling in, Ghazi Ghori tries to defend it down, but gets nicked on the outside edge, before it rolls to point.
Nathan Ellis to Ghazi Ghori, Fires a fuller delivery, on off, Ghazi Ghori hangs back and defends it to cover.
- Babar Azam 3 (14)
- Ghazi Ghori 1 (1)
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Much fuller, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to the fielder at leg slip.
Matthew Short to Babar Azam, Fired in, full and on middle. Babar Azam blocks it to mid on.
Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, Much fuller, on leg, Ghazi Ghori flicks it to backward square leg for a single.
Both the Pakistani openers are back in the hut now. Ghazi Ghori comes out to the middle.
Is that out? Maaz Sadaqat has taken a review for an LBW decision given OUT on-field. UltraEdge shows a flatline and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Pakistan lose a batter and a review as well.
Matthew Short to Maaz Sadaqat, OUT! LBW! That's a huge appeal and the finger goes up. Maaz Sadaqat goes upstairs to have a check. Fired in from Maaz Sadaqat, on middle, Maaz Sadaqat gets down on one knee and looks to slog it but misses it completely. The ball goes onto hit his pads. An appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Maaz Sadaqat sends it upstairs. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Maaz Sadaqat makes his way back into the shed. Pakistan are 41/2 after 7.3 overs. They now need 117 from 255 balls.
Matthew Short to Maaz Sadaqat, Keeps it full, on off, Maaz Sadaqat blocks it to short cover.
Matthew Short to Maaz Sadaqat, Fired in, full and on off, Maaz Sadaqat blocks it back to the bowler.
- Babar Azam 3 (12)
- Maaz Sadaqat 27 (23)
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, Maiden from Nathan Ellis. Good length, on middle and leg, Babar Azam stays in his crease and blocks it back to the bowler.
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, Five dots in a row. Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam stays back and punches it to cover.
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, Nice and full, on the stumps again, Babar Azam covers his line and blocks it watchfully.
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, On the stumps, a tad fuller, Babar Azam eases it to the point fielder.
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, A tad fuller this time, on off, Babar Azam leans on and blocks it to short cover.
Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, Angling in, on a length, on off. Babar Azam blocks it to point.
- Maaz Sadaqat 27 (23)
- Babar Azam 3 (6)
Matthew Kuhnemann to Maaz Sadaqat, FOUR! Excellently played! Full-length delivery, just outside off, Maaz Sadaqat leans on it and drives it gently through cover for four runs.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Full, on off, Azam pushes it to long off for one.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, A touch fuller, on off, turning away from the batter. Babar Azam gets on his front foot and tries to drive at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Full, on off, Babar Azam blocks it to short cover.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Maaz Sadaqat, Fuller, just outside off, Maaz Sadaqat clips it deep square leg for a single.
Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, Tossed up, much fuller, on off, Babar Azam drives it to long off for one.
- Maaz Sadaqat 22 (21)
- Babar Azam 1 (2)
Nathan Ellis to Maaz Sadaqat, Ends the over with another slower one, full and on middle, Maaz Sadaqat dead-bats it.
Australia chose to bat after winning the toss, backing their in-form batting lineup to take advantage of familiar conditions. Skipper Josh Inglis noted that the surface looked much like the one used in the previous game and expressed confidence that his side could put up a substantial score. The visitors have made one change, bringing in Cooper Connolly as they seek a strong finish to the tour.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi was unfazed by losing the toss, stating that the wicket has not changed significantly and that his bowlers have a clear plan to keep Australia under pressure. The hosts have stuck with the same playing XI, showing faith in a combination that has performed well throughout the series.
Several players have caught the eye heading into the decider. Babar Azam appears to be rediscovering his touch, while young all-rounder Arafat Minhas has emerged as Pakistan’s breakout star after claiming a five-wicket haul on debut. Australia, meanwhile, will rely on the experience of players such as Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey and Cameron Green to guide them in a high-pressure contest.
Beyond the cricket, the match marks the farewell appearance of Chacha Cricket at Gaddafi Stadium. The iconic supporter has spent decades travelling the world to cheer for Pakistan and is expected to receive a warm send-off from the home crowd.
After weather concerns earlier in the day, conditions have improved considerably, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and decisive finale between two competitive sides.
Match Statistics
Venue
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
