The third and final ODI between Pakistan and Australia took place on November 10, 2024, at the Optus Stadium in Perth. With the series tied at 1-1, this match was crucial for both teams to clinch the series victory.
Team Overviews
Pakistan came into the match with high confidence after their dominant performance in the second ODI, where they won convincingly by nine wickets. Haris Rauf’s excellent bowling and Saim Ayub’s outstanding batting have been the highlights of their campaign so far. Pakistan aimed to carry this momentum into the final match and secure a series win in Australia.
Australia, despite being shorthanded due to key players like Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne preparing for the Test series against India, showed resilience. Josh Inglis, leading the team for the first time, had the challenging task of rallying a relatively inexperienced squad to win the series.
Key Players
Pakistan:
- Haris Rauf: The pace bowler was a standout performer, claiming multiple wickets in the series. His experience in Australian conditions, thanks to his stint in the Big Bash League, proved invaluable.
- Saim Ayub: The young opener continued his fine form, scoring consistently and forming crucial partnerships at the top of the order.
Australia:
- Josh Inglis (C): The wicketkeeper-batsman played a pivotal role in both leadership and performance. His tactics and composure under pressure were vital for Australia.
- Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk: The opening pair faced scrutiny for their shot selection in previous matches and aimed to provide a solid start in this crucial game.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Total Matches: 110
- Pakistan Wins: 35
- Australia Wins: 71
- No Results: 3
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan:
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Batters: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman
- All-rounders: Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed
- Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Qadir
Australia:
- Captain: Josh Inglis
- Batters: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott
- All-rounders: Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa
- Bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report
The Optus Stadium in Perth is known for its fast and bouncy pitches, which generally favour the pace bowlers. The conditions were expected to be challenging for the batters, especially early in the innings. However, as the match progressed, the pitch was likely to become more conducive to stroke play.
Match Scenarios and Predictions
With the series evenly poised at 1-1, the third ODI was a decider. Pakistan, buoyed by their strong performance in the second ODI, aimed to clinch a rare series victory on Australian soil. Australia, despite their weakened lineup, looked to bounce back and leverage their home advantage.
Match Prediction: Given Pakistan’s recent form and the absence of key Australian players, Pakistan was considered the favourite to win the match. However, cricket is known for its unpredictability, and Australia had the potential to turn the game around with a solid all-round performance.
