Pakistan and Australia will play their third and final One-Day International today (Saturday) in Lahore. With the three-match ODI series tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to put on a dominant display and win the series in the final match.
Pakistan completed their most successful run-chase in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and snapped their ten-match losing streak against Australia by winning the second ODI. Following a loss in the first match, the hosts were determined to make a comeback, and an outstanding effort by the batters enabled them tie the series 1-1.
In pursuit of 349, Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman (67) and Imam-ul-Haq (106) lay the groundwork with a century partnership before skipper Babar Azam shined with an 83-ball 114, bringing his team closer to victory.
Pakistan’s top-order hitters have performed well throughout the series; Imam has already produced back-to-back hundreds in both ODIs, while the in-form Azam has also contributed, including a masterpiece in the second game. After two huge wickets of Imam and Babar, the middle-order batsmen produced some useful knocks to get Pakistan over the line, but Pakistan would be expecting more from Mohammad Rizwan, who hasn’t been able to impress with the bat.