PAK vs AUS Live Score, 3rd ODI: Pakistan look to avoid series defeat

Australia gained an early advantage in the series decider by winning the toss and choosing to bat first in Lahore. Captain Josh Inglis said the pitch looked similar to the surface used in the previous match and expressed confidence in his batting group’s ability to post a big total.

The visitors have shown resilience throughout the series despite fielding a relatively inexperienced squad. Players such as Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Short will carry the responsibility of building a competitive score against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack.

Australia also made a tactical adjustment by bringing Cooper Connolly into the playing XI. With spin expected to play a role once again, the all-rounder could prove to be a valuable addition.

A strong batting performance would put pressure on Pakistan in a high-pressure chase. Having already shown their fighting spirit throughout the series, Australia will be eager to finish the tour with another statement victory and take home the ODI series trophy.

While the cricket itself remains the main attraction, the third ODI also carries a special emotional significance. Legendary Pakistan supporter Chaudhary Abdul Jalil, popularly known as Chacha Cricket, is set to make his final appearance at Gaddafi Stadium.

For decades, Chacha Cricket has been one of the most recognizable faces in Pakistan cricket. Dressed in his trademark green attire and carrying boundless energy, he has travelled across the globe supporting the national team through victories and defeats.

Fans attending the match are expected to give him a heartfelt farewell as he bids goodbye to the venue that has witnessed many of his memorable moments. His dedication and passion have made him a beloved figure among players and supporters alike.

The decider against Australia therefore represents more than just a cricket match—it is also an opportunity to celebrate one of Pakistan cricket’s most loyal ambassadors.

After facing criticism over inconsistency in recent months, Babar Azam appears to be finding his rhythm again. The former Pakistan captain played an important innings in the second ODI, scoring a half-century and helping stabilize the batting order.

As Pakistan prepare for the series-deciding clash against Australia, Babar's form could be one of the biggest factors in determining the outcome. The stylish right-hander remains Pakistan's most experienced batter and often sets the tone for the innings when he gets going.

Australia will be well aware of the threat he poses and are likely to target him early. However, a confident Babar can be difficult to contain, particularly on familiar home conditions. With the series on the line, Pakistan will hope their star batter can deliver another match-winning performance and guide the team to a memorable victory in Lahore.

One of the biggest positives for Pakistan during this ODI series has been the emergence of young all-rounder Arafat Minhas. The youngster made headlines after claiming a five-wicket haul on debut, instantly becoming one of the standout performers of the series.

Heading into the deciding ODI against Australia, Minhas will once again be under the spotlight. Pakistan have shown faith in him by retaining the same XI, and his confidence appears to be growing with every outing. Beyond his bowling, Minhas has also shown composure under pressure, something that could prove valuable in a high-stakes encounter.

Pakistan's management has been searching for dependable young talent capable of making an impact in international cricket, and Minhas has already demonstrated he possesses that potential. A strong performance in the decider could further strengthen his place in the national setup and make him one of Pakistan's key players moving forward.

The Pakistan-Australia ODI series comes down to one final showdown at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with both teams entering the third match level at 1-1. After exchanging wins in the first two games, neither side has managed to establish complete dominance, setting up an exciting contest. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, believing the surface would play similarly to the wicket used in the previous match.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi was not overly concerned about bowling first, stating that the pitch had not changed much and that his side would focus on bowling in the right areas. The hosts have retained the same playing XI, while Australia have made one change with Cooper Connolly coming into the side.

With players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis involved, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle. The winner will not only claim the match but also secure the ODI series.