Clinical Pakistan bundle out Australia for modest total

LAHORE: Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket haul headlined a clinical bowling display from Pakistan as they bowled Australia out for a modest total in the series decider at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

The visitors’ decision to bat first backfired as they were bowled out for just 157 in 42 overs.

Shaheen Afridi started the proceedings for Pakistan, setting the tone early with a wicket in the first over. Matthew Short was caught at mid on for a two-ball duck.

Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis tried to rebuild with a 46-run stand, ending the powerplay on a positive note. Australia’s skipper capitalized on the fielding restrictions and took on the bowlers.

However, a good piece of fielding brought the partnership to an end with Labuschagne’s wicket. He made 19 off 39 with the aid of two fours.

The dismissals at regular intervals remained the pattern for Australia throughout the series and in the third ODI as well.

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Josh Inglis remained the only silver lining, top-scoring with counterattacking 65 off 71 deliveries, hitting a six and eight fours.

Shaheen accounted for his wicket in the 27th over, which sparked a collapse that the visitors could never recover from. They slumped from 119-4 to 126-6 in a span of four overs.

Eventually, another run-out ended the innings for Australia. Nathan Ellis (1) was the player for the fall, marking an end to Australia’s disappointing series with the bat.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took three wickets, whereas Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed took each.

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