PERTH: Pakistan stands poised to make history as they take on Australia in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) today, seeking their first series victory Down Under since 2002.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first, aiming to capitalize on Australia’s depleted lineup as the hosts have rested key players Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith ahead of their Test series against India.
Pakistan’s momentum comes from a resounding nine-wicket win in Adelaide on Friday, following a narrow loss in the series opener on November 4.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah delivered crucial blows, dismissing Australian openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Aaron Hardie within the first 10 overs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed an unchanged lineup for the series decider.
A win today would mark Pakistan’s first ODI series victory in Australia in over two decades. Friday’s triumph was their first ODI win in Australia since 2017.
WATCH: Saim Ayub smashes six sixes in match-winning knock against Australia
Australia
Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (capt, wk), Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Lance Morris
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain