Pakistan versus Australia ODI Series, 2024

3rd ODI

Australia team has collapsed again with the bat and bowled out for just 140 runs

Australia scored 140 in 31.5 overs vs Pakistan.

Pakistan’s pace attack continued to torment Australia in the ODI series, delivering yet another relentless performance in the final game to put their side on the brink of a rare series win on Australian soil.

After struggling throughout the series, Australia were once again put under pressure, losing half their side for just 79 runs.

They were eventually bowled out for a paltry 140, with more than 18 overs still remaining.

Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start despite a hint of luck, as they raced to 18/0 after just two overs.

But it didn’t take long for Pakistan to strike.

Jake Fraser-McGurk’s poor series continued, edging Naseem Shah behind for just 7.

Promoted to No. 3, Aaron Hardie showed glimpses of class with a couple of delightful shots, but his indecisiveness against Shaheen Afridi led to his downfall before he could build any momentum.

By the end of the first ten overs, Australia were still relatively well-placed at 54/2, but Naseem’s persistence paid off as Josh Inglis managed only a top edge attempting a pull shot.

Matthew Short then fell, driving one straight to the fielder stationed at deep mid-off, adding to Australia’s growing woes as Haris Rauf opened his account.

The setbacks kept piling up for the hosts as Cooper Connolly got struck on the glove and was forced off the field, not to return.

Glenn Maxwell, under pressure to score, was dismissed by Rauf for a duck, effectively reducing Australia to 79/6.

Marcus Stoinis also struggled, departing for a scratchy 8 off 25 balls, and Australia were staring at a collapse.

The Pakistan pacers were relentless, and although Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott managed to drag the total past the three-figure mark, it was clear that Australia’s innings was nearing its end.

A six from Abbott briefly delayed the inevitable, but Shaheen Afridi finished the job, taking two wickets in quick succession to bowl Australia out for 140.