Pakistan grab first ODI series victory in Australia after 22-year-long wait

Pakistan secured a dominant eight-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI here at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday and registered their first ODI series victory in the country after 22 years.

Chasing target of 141 runs to win the three-match ODI series 2-1, Pakistani openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique provided a solid opening wicket stand of 84 runs. Both were sent back to the pavilion by Australian bowler Morris with 85 runs on the board.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan along with Babar Azam held the innings together and helped the side to a first-ever series win in Australia after 22 years.

Having been asked to bat first, Australia could manage only 140 runs before being all out in the 32nd over.

The home side struggled from the outset as young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk (seven) fell to Naseem Shah in the fourth over with just 20 runs on the scoreboard.

His opening partner Matthew Short, however, made a commendable effort, forming brief partnerships with Aaron Hardie (12) and Josh Inglis (7) before eventually being dismissed in the 14th over.

Short scored 22 runs off 30 balls, including one boundary.

Australia suffered another setback when all-rounder Cooper Connolly had to retire hurt after scoring only seven runs.

The home team lost two successive wickets soon after, with Glenn Maxwell (0) and Marcus Stoinis (eight) making minimal contributions.

At 88/6 in 20.3 overs, Australia was in trouble when Adam Zampa joined Sean Abbott for an important 30-run partnership, pushing their total past 100.

Zampa contributed a determined 13 runs off 22 balls before being dismissed by Naseem in the 27th over.

Abbott went on to create another significant partnership, adding 22 runs for the eighth wicket with Spencer Johnson, who remained not out with a run-a-ball 12.

Abbott was the highest scorer for Australia, making a resilient 30 runs off 41 balls, with two fours and a six.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah each took three wickets, while Haris Rauf claimed two, and Mohammad Hasnain secured one.