Pakistan clinches 2-1 ODI series win over Australia

Pakistan secured a 2-1 One Day International series victory over Australia with a tense four-wicket win in the decisive third match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The hosts chased down a modest target of 158 with eight overs to spare, clinching their third consecutive ODI series win against the visitors.

After a brief delay due to a thunderstorm, Australian captain Josh Inglis won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that had been under covers. The decision backfired immediately as Pakistan's pace attack made early inroads. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the second ball of the innings, removing opener Matthew Short for a duck. A mix-up led to the run-out of Marnus Labuschagne for 19, and despite a fighting half-century from Inglis, Australia's innings never gained momentum. Wickets fell regularly, with Afridi taking two in a crucial double-strike, and the tourists were eventually bowled out for 157 in the 42nd over. Inglis top-scored with 65 off 71 balls.

Pakistan's chase began steadily before losing two early wickets. A slow partnership between Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori steadied the innings, but a cluster of wickets saw the hosts slump from 93 for 4 to 112...