After decimating Australia in the second ODI, Pakistan are eying a rare series win in Australia as they prepare to face the hosts in the third and final ODI on Sunday at Optus Stadium. After levelling the series with their one of the best ODI performances, Pakistan now have their sights set on securing a series victory against the star-studded Australia.
Pakistan will enter the third ODI with renewed confidence after their thumping 61-run victory in the second match on Friday. With the series tied 1-1, Pakistan made a strong statement with a dominant all-round performance that helped them bounce back from their opening loss. Their batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique fired on all cylinders, helping the side chase 163 in 26.3 overs. While, their bowling was led by aggressive Haris Rauf, who returned with the figures of 5-29.
On the other hand, Australia, who won the first ODI with a clinical performance, will be disappointed with their underwhelming showing in the second match. After successfully thrashing Pakistan in the first ODI, Australia faltered in the second ODI, struggling both with the bat and bowl. Despite the presence of key players like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, Australian side was unable to counter Pakistan’s attacking approach. Australia will look to address their inconsistency as it was the sole reason behind their loss in the second game.
Going into the decider, Australia will miss the services of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Marnus Labuschagne as all of whom will start preparing for the upcomingTest series against India.
Australia probable XI: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (c&wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Lance Morris
Pakistan probable XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c&wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain