AUS vs PAK Match Preview

Host Australia will look to complete a 3-0 sweep of the T20I series as they face Pakistan near the third and final match on Monday at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. In the second game, Australia defeated Pakistan by 13 runs, thanks to excellent performances by Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, and Adam Zampa. With this result, Australia has a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be desperate to win a consolation match in Hobart to cap off their tour. Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be hoping for a better batting performance for this dead rubber.

AUS vs PAK Match Details

Australia vs Pakistan – 2nd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Blundstone Arena, Bellerive

Date & Time: 18th November 2024 at 01:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AUS vs PAK Venue Stats

AUS vs PAK Pitch Report

In Sydney, the average first-inning score in T20Is is around 160 runs. The highest total recorded here is Australia's 221 for 5 against England. 

AUS vs PAK Weather Report

The weather forecast for Saturday's match is for light clouds and a gentle breeze.

AUS vs PAK Last Five Matches

AUS vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Mohammed Shami guides Bengal to secure a thrilling win

AUS vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Josh Inglis (c & wk), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Topmost Picks for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Matthew Short – Matthew Short played well for Australia and finished the innings with the top-score of 32 runs off 17 balls with the help of two fours and two sixes.
• Azam Zampa – Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was the pick of the bowlers for Australia and claimed 5 for 26 in his full quota of overs.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Usman Khan – Usman Khan played well for Pakistan and finished the innings with the top-score of 52 runs off 38 balls with the help of four boundaries and one six.
• Abbas Afridi – Abbas Afridi bowled well and claimed 3 for 17 in four overs. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Josh Inglis, Babar Azam(VC), Sahibzada Farhan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Agha Salman, Glenn Maxwell(C), Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Haris Rauf

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Josh Inglis, Babar Azam, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Agha Salman, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett(C), Adam Zampa, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf(VC)

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett

Vice-captain – Babar Azam, Haris Rauf

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

AUS vs PAK Probable Winners:

Based on their current form, Australia will be the favorites to win the final and third match against Pakistan. With Spencer Johnson, Matthew Short, and Glenn Maxwell in excellent form so far, team management is going to be hoping that the side can extend their winning streak in this dead rubber. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

Pakistan are at the back end of their white-ball tour and they may feel a little disappointed again. They looked good in the second T20, bowling some really good spells but their fielders once again let them down. Haris Rauf in particular has been absolute fire this series and some support from both his fielders and the batters could have made the series a lot more different for him and Pakistan.

AUS vs PAK Match Details

Date: November 18th, 2024

Time:  1:30 PM IST

Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

AUS vs PAK Weather Report

The weather is on the cooler side and there could be dew later on. 

AUS vs PAK Pitch Report

The Oval has been a touch slow in the WBBL this season. The famous wind blowing across does help batters on one end and batting first remains a better choice.

AUS vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Jake Fraser McGurk, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

PAK Playing XI

Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Omair YousufSalman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

AUS vs PAK Key Players

Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf has had a challenging year. His spot has been in doubt but he has answered questions spectacularly in the previous game. While he was expensive, he was also among the wickets and looked very menacing with his pace. He was accurate, furious and a little more support from his fielder along with a little more discipline could have helped him take his side home.

Xavier Bartlett

The big three of Australia's pace attack hardly gives the others a chance in the sun. Xavier Bartlett though finally has his own opportunity to make a statement, spearheading the Australian attack. He has a challenge with a good Pakistan team in front of him but will know that Pakistan are rather better with the ball than the bat.

AUS vs PAK Match Tips

Australia has taken the series but Pakistan will be feeling that they came close in both games. This time around they will be looking to at least get a consolation win.

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win The Match

While the IPL 2025 mega auction is just less than 10 days away, Gujarat Titans’ released player claimed a five-wicket haul to guide the hosts Australia to secure a T20I series win against Pakistan. 

It was the second game of the three-match T20I series between Australia and Pakistan. Leading the series by 1-0, Australian captain Josh Inglis chose to bat first. After Australia scored 147/9, Pakistan were all out for 134 runs. 

After the openers Matthew Short (32) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (20) provided a firing start, Glenn Maxwell (21) and Aaron Hardie (28) added some useful runs along with Marcus Stoinis (14) and Tim David (18).

Spencer Johnson recorded his first fifer in T20 career

Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was the hero in the Aussie bowling line-up. With the bowling figures of 4-0-26-5, Johnson secured the hosts’ T20I series win and won the Player of the Match award. 

The no.3 batter Sahibzada Farhan (5) was Johnson’s first victim, as the left-arm pacer took the wicket in his second over of the innings. 

Later, in the 10th over, Johnson dismissed skipper and opener Mohammad Rizwan (16) and Salman Agha (0) on back-to-back deliveries. 

Struggling at 44/4, Usman Khan and Irfan Khan had a 58-run partnership for the fifth wicket in quick time. Johnson returned to complete his quota in the 16th over, where he dismissed Usman (52) and Abbas Afridi (4) between three deliveries. 

Although Irfan Khan fought hard with his 37 not out off 28 balls (four fours and one six), he didn’t get any support on the other end. While the economical Adam Zampa took two wickets, Pakistan lost their last two batters through the run-outs. 

With 5/26, Johnson recorded Australia’s best T20I bowling figures against Pakistan and the third-best overall T20I bowling figures against Pakistan. 

Johnson served for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024

It was Johnson’s first fifer in his T20 career. While he has taken 12 wickets in seven T20I matches, the left-arm fast bowler has picked up 69 T20 wickets in 59 games.

Johnson made his IPL debut in the 2024 edition serving for Gujarat Titans. The left-arm pacer picked up four wickets in five games in the IPL 2024. For the IPL 2025 mega auction, Johnson is on the final 574 list (Serial Number 179, Set Number 26, Set FA3) with a base price of INR 2 crore. 

AUS vs PAK Match Preview

Australia will encounter Pakistan in the second T20I series match on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In the series opener at The Gabba, Australia defeated Pakistan by 29 runs via DLS. Captain Jos Inglis is hoping the team can maintain their excellent form in this situation. In contrast, Australia completely outclassed Pakistan in the rain-shortened game played in Brisbane. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan will be hoping the team can mount a strong comeback against Australia.

AUS vs PAK Match Details

Australia vs Pakistan – 2nd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park

Date & Time: 16th November 2024 at 01:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AUS vs PAK Venue Stats

AUS vs PAK Pitch Report

In Sydney, the average first-inning score in T20Is is around 160 runs. The highest total recorded here is Australia's 221 for 5 against England. 

AUS vs PAK Weather Report

The weather forecast for Saturday's match is for light clouds and a gentle breeze.

AUS vs PAK Last Five Matches

AUS vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: India win T20I series after thrashing South Africa at Johannesburg

AUS vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Haseebullah Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Topmost Picks for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Glenn Maxwell – Glenn Maxwell produced his scintillating best for Australia and scored 43 runs off 19 balls with the help of five boundaries and three sixes.
• Azam Zampa – Leg-spinner Adam Zampa bowled well and claimed 2 for 11 in his one-over spell.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Babar Azam – Babar has accumulated 265 runs at an average of 44.10 with one half-century to his name.
• Abbas Afridi – Medium-pacer Abbas Afridi bowled well for Pakistan and claimed 2 for 9 in one over. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Josh Inglis, Babar Azam(VC), Sahibzada Farhan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Agha Salman, Glenn Maxwell(C), Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Haris Rauf

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Josh Inglis, Babar Azam, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Agha Salman, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett(C), Adam Zampa, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf(VC)

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett

Vice-captain – Babar Azam, Haris Rauf

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

AUS vs PAK Probable Winners:

Based on their current form, Australia will be favourites to win the match against Pakistan. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, and Nathan Ellis delivered outstanding performances in the series opener, and the team management is hoping for more of the same in this game. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

In a shortened game, Australia and Glenn Maxwell made it through well. Maxwell stepped up nicely with his side short on experience and that is something Australia would have been hoping for with the Test players and some key bowlers missing. Pakistan will feel a little unlucky. Their strength has been their bwowling and with the overs shortened they would have felt a little cornered considering their batting line-up is a little lighter on fire power when compared to the Australian batting line-up.

AUS vs PAK Match Details

Date: November 16th, 2024

Time:  1:30 PM IST

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

AUS vs PAK Weather Report

The weather is on the cooler side and there could be dew later on. 

AUS vs PAK Pitch Report

Sydney is likely to spin a little with the ball known to turn considerably well. Batting first is a better option at Sydney.

AUS vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Jake Fraser McGurk, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

PAK Playing XI

Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Omair YousufSalman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

AUS vs PAK Key Players

Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf has had a challenging year. His spot has been in doubt but he has answered questions spectacularly in the previous game. While he was expensive, he was also among the wickets and looked very menacing with his pace. He was accurate, furious and a little more support from his fielder along with a little more discipline could have helped him take his side home.

Xavier Bartlett

The big three of Australia's pace attack hardly gives the others a chance in the sun. Xavier Bartlett though finally has his own opportunity to make a statement, spearheading the Australian attack. He has a challenge with a good Pakistan team in front of him but will know that Pakistan are rather better with the ball than the bat.

AUS vs PAK Match Tips

Pakistan start the evident favorites for the game with Australia low on bowling experience. They still have some strong players but Pakistan's bowlers will feel a lot more comfortable coming into the game.

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win The Match

Hosts Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan after winning the rain-curtailed Brisbane T20I on Thursday (November 14). However, there was a controversy, and some cricket fans were confused and surprised by the incident. 

The series-opener Brisbane T20I was shrunk to a 7-over contest. Australia scored 93/4, thanks to the powerful batting from Glenn Maxwell (43 off 19 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (21 not out off 7 balls). 

In reply, Pakistan scored 64/9 in seven overs, where Xavier Bartlett (3/13) and Nathan Ellis (3/9) took three wickets each, while Adam Zampa (2/11) and Spencer Johnson (1/29) shared the other three wickets.

The Controversy

In the first innings, Pakistan used four bowlers. After Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf completed their two-over quotas, Naseem Shah delivered the final over of the innings, which was his second over of the match. As Abbas Afridi bowled one over (2/9), Pakistan used four bowlers in the game.

Some cricket fans raised questions in that innings as Pakistan didn’t use the five bowlers in the innings. Even before the toss, the broadcasters also clarified that two bowlers can deliver a maximum of two overs each, and three other bowlers can deliver one over each. 

It will be a seven-over game 2 over powerplay, 2 bowlers can bowl two overs and three can bowl one#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/6LOveDiSQD

— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) November 14, 2024

Play will start at 3:20 PM (Pakistan Time), with 7 overs per side.

2 bowlers can bowl 2 overs each, and the other 3 bowlers will bowl an over each.#AUSvPAK | #PAKvsAUS | #PakistanCricket | #Cricket pic.twitter.com/jjffkh5pxt

— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) November 14, 2024

In fact, if we look at the second innings of the match, Australia also used the same tactics as Johnson, Bartlett, and Ellis bowled two overs each before Zampa delivered the last over. 

Usually, in limited-over matches, a team must use five bowlers (excluding a team’s innings was interrupted and not possible to restart their innings). In the shortened limited-over matches, the total overs have been divided between five bowlers, and some bowlers can deliver one additional over to make up the balance in the case of total overs not being divisible by five.

Special rule

However, T20I cricket has a special rule to allow each team to complete the innings with less than five bowlers in special cases.  

The ICC playing condition 13.9.4 claims, “for innings of rescheduled length of between 5 and 9 overs, no bowler may bowl more than two overs.” In this special condition, there is no requirement to use at least five bowlers if the innings are rescheduled between 5 and 9 overs.

So, the umpires and both the teams didn’t make any mistakes. However, the broadcasters made mistakes that brought more confusion to the cricket fans. 

In fact, it wasn't the first time we experienced it. The 2017 Thiruvananthapuram T20I between India and New Zealand also experienced a similar incident, where the Blackcaps used four bowlers, and each bowled two overs in the 8-over innings. 

AUS vs PAK Match Preview

Host Australia will look to turn the match around when they face Pakistan in the first T20I of the series on Thursday at The Gabba in Brisbane. After losing the series of one-day internationals to Pakistan, interim skipper Jos Inglis will be hoping that the team can learn from their mistakes and deliver a disciplined performance in this first match. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their winning streak after defeating Australia in the ODI series for the first time in nearly two decades.

AUS vs PAK Match Details

Australia vs Pakistan – 1st Match, T20I Match

Venue: The Gabba, Woolloongabba

Date & Time: 14th November 2024 at 01:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AUS vs PAK Venue Stats

AUS vs PAK Pitch Report

The pitch is much more balanced for both bowlers and batsmen. With the new ball, seam bowlers can expect good bounce and movement off the pitch. However, once the pitch settles down and batters have had some time at the wicket, there will be plenty of runs available.

AUS vs PAK Weather Report

The weather will be partly cloudy and very warm. There isn't any chances of rain during the day.

AUS vs PAK Last Five Matches

AUS vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Shai Hope shines in West Indies captain achievements with a century

AUS vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Usman Khan, Arafat Minhas, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Tom David, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis

Topmost Picks for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Jos Inglis – Jos Inglis has shown excellent form with the bat for Australia and will be keen to do more of the same in this series.
• Azam Zampa – Leg-spinner Azam Zampa claimed 19 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 6.97.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Babar Azam – Babar has accumulated 265 runs at an average of 44.10 with one half-century to his name.
• Haris Rauf – Pacer Haris Rauf claimed 12 wickets in six innings at an economy rate of 7.68. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Josh Inglis, Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk(C), Babar Azam(VC), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Adam Zampa, Haris Rauf

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs PAK Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Josh Inglis, Matthew Short, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis(VC), Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi(C), Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Vice-captain – Babar Azam, Marcus Stoinis

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

AUS vs PAK Probable Winners:

Based on their current form, Pakistan are considered slight favorites to win their match versus Australia. Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi have performed admirably in the ODI series, and the team management is hoping for a continuation of the same in the T20I series. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

Pakistan start favorites for a change as they take on a depleted  Australia side. A chunk of the Australian Cricketers are off preparing for their upcoming set of Test matches and a new crop of players are getting their opportunity to warm up before the Big Bash League. The Australians will have their challenges cut out and how they get past a strong and flying Pakistan unit will be something to watch.

AUS vs PAK Match Details

Date: November 14th, 2024

Time:  1:30 PM IST

Venue: Woolloongabba, Brisbane

AUS vs PAK Weather Report

The weather is on the cooler side and there could be dew later on. 

AUS vs PAK Pitch Report

A bouncy and fast track is the norm at the Gabba. Batting first though will probably be a better choice with bowlers likely to get extra bit under lights.

AUS vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Jake Fraser McGurk, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

PAK Playing XI

Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Omair YousufSalman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

AUS vs PAK Key Players

Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf has had a challenging year. His spot has been in doubt but he has answered questions spectacularly in the previous game. While he was expensive, he was also among the wickets and looked very menacing with his pace. He was accurate, furious and a little more support from his fielder along with a little more discipline could have helped him take his side home.

Xavier Bartlett

The big three of Australia's pace attack hardly gives the others a chance in the sun. Xavier Bartlett though finally has his own opportunity to make a statement, spearheading the Australian attack. He has a challenge with a good Pakistan team in front of him but will know that Pakistan are rather better with the ball than the bat.

AUS vs PAK Match Tips

Pakistan start the evident favorites for the game with Australia low on bowling experience. They still have some strong players but Pakistan's bowlers will feel a lot more comfortable coming into the game.

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win The Match

Former Australian pacer and present Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie opened up his views on Australia’s performances in the recently concluded home ODI series against Pakistan. 

Although hosts Australia won the three-match ODI series opener against Pakistan, Pakistan won the last two ODIs to win the ODI bilateral series for the second time in Australia. 

In the series finale at Perth, which was a series decider, the key members of the upcoming home Test series against India were rested. Australia made five changes in the playing XI, while Josh Inglis made his captaincy debut in international cricket. 

Apart from the skipper Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood were rested from the series decider.  

In the third ODI, Pakistan chose to field first and bundled out the hosts for only 140 runs. The visitors comfortably chased down the target with eight wickets in hand.

It was pretty clear to us where CA’s priorities lie: Jason Gillespie

Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie felt that Cricket Australia (CA) didn’t take on priority the home ODI series against Pakistan due to the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Australia will host India for a five-match Test series. The 49-year-old former Aussie fast bowler didn’t see any promotion for the recently concluded ODI series. 

Gillespie told the Sydney Morning Herald, "To be honest, I pretty much saw no promotion of our one-day series by Cricket Australia, which was a bit of a surprise. It’s pretty obvious that they’re prioritizing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against India because I saw no promotion of this series. Fox do a great job promoting but it was pretty clear to us where CA’s priorities lie. That’s their prerogative and their decision, but I just didn’t see any advertising or promotion of this one-day series at all.”

Our bowling exposed some flaws in the Australian batting: Pakistan head coach

Gillespie is happy with Pakistani pacers’ dominance in the recently concluded ODI series against the hosts Australia. He also feels that the Aussies will learn from the mistakes against Pakistan. 

Pakistan's head coach said, "What we saw in this series is our bowling exposed some flaws in the Australian batting. I’m sure the Australians will look to right some wrongs and improve some things. That’s what good players and good teams do; you learn and adjust and adapt and be ready for the next challenge. It was pleasing not just to beat Australia but to beat them pretty convincingly.”

Some experts and former cricketers, including the former ODI World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke, were unhappy with the team management’s decision to rest the senior players for the series decider. 

Pakistan created a new history by winning the three-match ODI series against the hosts Australia after winning the last game of the series by eight wickets. 

Pakistan pacers dominated in the entire ODI series. In the third or series-decider ODI match at Perth, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to field first after winning the toss. Australia saw five changes in the playing XI, and Josh Inglis made his captaincy debut in international cricket. All the players, excluding only Inglis, related to the first Test match against India have been rested for the ODI series decider. 

SEE ALSO: Australian squad announced for Perth Test with two potential Test debutants

After bowling out Australia for only 140 runs, Pakistan chased the target in 26.5 overs after losing only two wickets. With this victory, Pakistan won the ODI series by 2-1. 

Among the top seven Australian batters, only the opener Matthew Short (22) and Aaron Hardie (12) reached the double-digit scores in the innings. 

Cooper Connolly was retired hurt

Cooper Connolly was retired hurt after scoring seven runs. On the second ball of the 17th over in the first innings, Connolly received a blow on his left hand from Mohammad Hasnain’s delivery. He went for a pull, but the ball hit his glove. He faced the next delivery before realising his injury. 

The 21-year-old cricketer Connolly has been ruled out from the upcoming home T20I series against Pakistan due to a fractured left hand. The scan report found a fracture to the fourth metacarpal of his left hand. His replacement for the upcoming T20I series will be announced soon. 

Coming back to the game, Australia were struggling at 88/6. Sean Abbott (30), Adam Zampa (13), and Spencer Johnson (12) added some runs to take the scoreboard close to 150 runs. 

All Pakistan pacers took wickets

Pakistan bowlers conceded 22 extras, including 16 wides, but those didn’t affect the visitors. While Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/32) and Naseem Shah (3/54) bagged three wickets each, Mohammad Hasnain (1/24) and Harsi Rauf (2/24) also picked up wickets. 

Pakistan batters chased comfortably

In reply, all the top Pakistan batters provided valuable contributions to chase the target comfortably. Openers Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) had an 84-run partnership for the first wicket, while Babar Azam (28*) and Mohammad Rizwan (30*) easily finished the game after both openers were dismissed in the same over. 

Among the Aussie bowlers, only Lance Morris (2/24) managed to pick up wickets. 

While Harris Rauf won the Player of the Match award, he also won the Players of the Series award after finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker (10 wickets).  

Pakistan created history as the first Asian team

It was Pakistan’s second ODI bilateral series victory in Australia. Previously, they recorded it in the 2002 tour when they won the three-match ODI series by 2-1. 

Pakistan became the first Asian team to win an ODI bilateral series more than once in Australia. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan also became the second visiting team in Australia to record twice winning an ODI bilateral series with more than one match. South Africa is the other team in this record as they won the 2009 and 2018 ODI series in Australia tours.