Pakistan claimed their first ODI series victory in Australia in 22 years with a dominant eight-wicket win in the third match in Perth. Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3-32, and Naseem Shah picked up 3-54, dismantling an under-strength Australian side for just 140 runs at Optus Stadium.
With a solid 42 from Saim Ayub, 37 by Abdullah Shafique, and an unbeaten 30 from Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan chased down the target in just 26.5 overs, finishing with 23.1 overs to spare. Australia rested key Test players ahead of their upcoming series against India, beginning November 22.
Shaheen expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievement, noting the excitement it brought to the nation. Batting first, Australia faltered, slipping from 20-0 to 88-6, with Cooper Connolly forced to retire hurt due to a suspected fractured hand after a ball from Mohammad Hasnain. Sean Abbott’s 30 was the highest score for Australia, with six players failing to reach double digits.
Captain Josh Inglis acknowledged the team’s batting struggles throughout the series. Pakistan’s openers Ayub and Shafique set the tone with an 84-run partnership before captain Rizwan and Babar Azam sealed the 2-1 series win. Australia had won the first ODI by two wickets, while Pakistan had taken the second by nine wickets. The two teams will now head to Brisbane for a three-match T20 series starting Thursday.