Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd ODI Match Summary

TOSS DELAYED! If you are wondering why the toss hasn't taken place, it is because there was heavy rain earlier and the pitch was under the hessian cover to prevent water from going onto it. However, the cover is off now and we will not have to wait too long as the word from the middle is that Toss will happen at 11.15 am GMT and the first ball will be bowled at 11.45 am GMT.

History on the line - It all comes down to this monumental clash today. Australia have not won an ODI series on Pakistani soil since way back in 1998, and they are desperate to break that jinx. With a tricky batting track expected and both teams likely going in unchanged, the toss will be vital. Get ready for an absolute cracker of a game. Toss and team news in a bit...

The Aussies bounced back - Never write off the Aussies! Australia fought right back in the second match, defending a total of 231 to secure a crucial 41-run win. Fifties from Josh Inglis and Cameron Green rescued them from a shaky 51/3 against Shaheen Afridi's fiery opening spell. Nathan Ellis then starred with 4 wickets, backed by Matt Short's 3-wicket haul, to bowl out Pakistan for 190 despite a fighting 71 from Shadab Khan.

Pakistan's opening punch - The hosts kicked things off in style at Rawalpindi. On debut, young spin sensation Arafat Minhas picked up a spectacular five-wicket haul to rattle the visitors. Chasing a modest target of 201, steady half-centuries from Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori steered the Men in Green across the finish line with 5 wickets in hand to take an early 1-0 lead.

Welcome to the grand finale - Hello everyone and a warm welcome to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It is Thursday, and we are live for the third and final ODI between Pakistan and Australia. The three-match series is deadlocked at 1-1, and today we crown the champions in this ultimate series decider.

... MATCHDAY ...

One final blockbusting decider - The decider has found its home in Lahore. Pakistan and Australia have been at it all series, splitting the first two ODIs right down the middle and setting up a gripping series finale. Pakistan started the series in Rawalpindi and meant business, walking away with a fine victory in the opener. Australia regrouped, headed to Lahore for the next game, and gave a commanding reply to level the series, pushing it into a crucial decider. Pride on the line - Australia carry a point to prove that goes beyond this series. History whispers in their favour at the macro level with a strong record against Pakistan, painting a picture of general dominance in this rivalry. But history has a short memory when recent wounds are still raw. The last time Pakistan faced Australia in a bilateral ODI series, they went to Australian soil and owned it, winning the series 2-1 in late 2024. Australia will be carrying that particular sting into Lahore with plenty of motivation to set the record straight. Pakistan will want to prove that their recent success against Australia can be repeated on home soil under pressure to walk away with another trophy. Bowling dominance - Australia's bowlers turned Lahore into a masterclass in the second ODI. Nathan Ellis led the way with a superb four wicket haul, giving Pakistan's batters absolutely nothing to work with while defending a total that was far from imposing. Matt Short also stepped up beautifully with three wickets of his own. On the other side, Pakistan's pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has been a constant threat, picking up three wickets in the last game to keep the pressure high. Adam Zampa has not been at his sharpest of late, but that has never made him any less dangerous. The top class spinner carries immense experience, and on a given day he is the kind of operator who can flip a match on its head almost single handedly. Australia will be hoping he saves his best performance for the final game when it matters most. Struggles with the bat - Both teams have faced their share of problems in the top order. They have struggled a bit with their top order to click consistently, losing early wickets in both games before being rescued by the middle order. Marnus Labuschagne has experienced a quiet patch, which has quietly become one of Australia's bigger headaches going into this decider. It has not just been him, as the top order has blown hot and cold, offering only small glimpses of their potential. It was Josh Inglis and Cameron Green who bailed them out in Lahore with crucial half centuries, but Australia cannot rely on singular brilliance. Pakistan faces a similar challenge, as their batting collapsed in the second game while chasing a modest total, leaving too much for the lower order to do. Young stars and a rescue act - While Australia's bowlers choked Pakistan in Lahore, Pakistan's young talent has shown great promise. The young spin bowling all rounder Arafat Minhas has been a breakout star, delivering a match winning performance in Rawalpindi and contributing with both bat and ball. Alongside him, Shadab Khan showed incredible determination in the second ODI, fighting hard with a brilliant 71 runs to keep Pakistan in the hunt when the top order collapsed. Pakistan will need a collective batting effort from stars like Babar Azam to ensure a solid foundation. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - PAK - LWLWL | AUS - WLLWW. What to expect? The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has historically been an excellent track for cricket, offering a fair contest. Early on, it can offer assistance to the seamers, but as the match progresses, spin bowlers will get plenty of help. Once batters get through the tough initial movement, they can score heavily using the quick outfield. With a massive series on the line, fans can expect an absolute thriller.