Pak vs Aus 3rd ODI 2026: Pakistan Win Series 2-1 | Full Scorecard, Players & Analysis
Pakistan had a job to do, and they did it. In a series decider that perfectly matched the tension of the moment, the hosts pulled off a clinical, if nerve-shredding, four-wicket victory over Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 4, 2026. The win handed Pakistan a 2-1 series victory and extended their remarkable run of home dominance in ODI cricket — their third straight series win over Australia on their own soil.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone with the ball, dismantling Australia’s top order with precision on a surface that heavily favoured spin and swing. Australia, missing their first-choice captain Mitchell Marsh and several other top-line players due to IPL commitments and injury, never looked comfortable on the spinning Lahore track and were bundled out for a below-par 157. Pakistan’s chase had its wobbles — they slumped to 112 for 6 at one stage — but Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad held their nerve in an unbeaten 49-run stand to guide the Green Shirts home with 49 balls to spare.
Series Significance: Pakistan’s 2-1 series win is part of their broader ODI World Cup 2027 (South Africa) preparation. The spin-friendly pitches, though controversial among fans, were a deliberate strategy to test their squad depth under pressure conditions.
Pak vs Aus 2026 ODI Series Overview
The Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 featured a three-match ODI series.
- 1st ODI: Pakistan won by 5 wickets.
- 2nd ODI: Australia won by 41 runs.
- 3rd ODI: Pakistan won the series decider.
- Final Series Result: Pakistan won 2-1.
Pak vs Aus 3rd ODI 2026 – Match Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 3rd ODI – Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 |
| Date | June 4, 2026 (Day/Night) |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Toss | Australia won; elected to bat first |
| Result | Pakistan won by 4 wickets (49 balls remaining) |
| Series Result | Pakistan won 3-match series 2-1 |
| Player of the Match | Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK) – 3/30 |
| Player of the Series | Arafat Minhas (PAK) – 60 runs & 7 wkts |
| Umpires | Ahsan Raza & Kumar Dharmasena (DRS) |
| TV Umpire | Richard Kettleborough |
Australia’s Innings – Folding for 157 on a Turning Track
Australia’s decision to bat first after winning the toss initially seemed sensible — the evening dew could have made chasing unpredictable. But Shaheen Afridi had other ideas. Matthew Short was dismissed for a golden duck in the very first over, an almost identical dismissal to those he’d suffered earlier in the series. The ball nipped back, Short’s bottom hand came off the bat, and it skewed to mid-on for an easy catch. Pakistan were immediately on the front foot.
Josh Inglis proved to be Australia’s backbone, batting through the turbulence of the top-order collapse to carve out a gritty 65 off 71 balls. The Australian captain showed skill and resolve on a difficult surface, but once Shaheen returned to dismiss him in the 27th over — caught at mid-on off a mistimed drive — Australia’s remaining recognised batters crumbled. Cameron Green managed just 7 before clipping a full delivery to Babar Azam at short midwicket, and Haris Rauf bowled Alex Carey through the gate with a sharp delivery that cut back sharply.
Matt Kuhnemann contributed an important 15 down the order to keep Australia’s total respectable, but it was never going to be enough. Abrar Ahmed’s wrist spin (2/19) and Shadab Khan’s returning match-sharpness (2/28) — his first ODI wickets since October 2023 — combined with Afridi’s pace to fold Australia for 157 in 47.1 overs.
🇦🇺 Australia Batting Scorecard
157 All Out (47.1 ov)
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Short | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Oliver Peake | 12 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Josh Inglis ✦ (c/wk) | 65 | 71 | 6 | 1 | 91.55 |
| Alex Carey (wk) | 14 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 63.64 |
| Cameron Green | 7 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 46.67 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 18 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 47.37 |
| Cooper Connolly | 9 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 45.00 |
| Matt Renshaw | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Adam Zampa | 8 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 72.73 |
| Matthew Kuhnemann | 15 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 68.18 |
| Nathan Ellis | run out | — | 0 | 0 | — |
Extras: 7 (b 1, lb 2, w 4) | Total: 157 all out (47.1 overs)
🇵🇰 Pakistan Bowling Figures
vs Australia
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi ⭐ | 10 | 1 | 30 | 3/30 | 3.00 |
| Haris Rauf | 8 | 0 | 37 | 2/37 | 4.63 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 10 | 0 | 19 | 2/19 | 1.90 |
| Shadab Khan | 9 | 0 | 28 | 2/28 | 3.11 |
| Arafat Minhas | 10 | 1 | 36 | 1/36 | 3.60 |
| Salman Agha | 0.1 | 0 | 7 | 0/7 | 42.0 |
Pakistan’s Chase – Grit, Wobble, and a Memorable Win
Chasing 158 on a turning, bouncing track that had already punished Australia’s batters, Pakistan needed composure and smart cricket. What followed was a chase full of character — explosive at first, wobbly in the middle, and ultimately triumphant.
Maaz Sadaqat gave Pakistan the flying start they needed. Aware that conditions would get harder as the innings progressed and the ball gripped more, he struck five boundaries in a quick 27 off 26 balls, providing Pakistan a platform before departing. Babar Azam’s experience with 40 runs off a measured knock proved invaluable — he took his series aggregate to 125 runs at an average of 41.66, reinforcing his status as Pakistan’s most dependable ODI batter despite critics questioning his current form.
However, the match turned tense when Pakistan stuttered badly in the middle overs. Matthew Kuhnemann’s three-wicket haul (3/38) proved vital for Australia as Pakistan slid to a precarious 112 for 6, still needing 46 runs. The crowd at Gaddafi Stadium fell quiet. But then came the moment of the match.
Turning Point: With Pakistan at 112/6, Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad walked to the crease. What followed was an unbeaten 49-run partnership built on calmness, smart shot selection, and an unflinching belief that the target was gettable. Shadab eventually struck the winning boundary, sending the Lahore crowd into celebration.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Batting Scorecard
161/6 (41.5 ov)
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 8 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Maaz Sadaqat | 27 | 26 | 5 | 0 | 103.85 |
| Babar Azam | 40 | 56 | 4 | 0 | 71.43 |
| Ghazi Ghori (wk) | 22 | 30 | 2 | 0 | 73.33 |
| Arafat Minhas | 7 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 43.75 |
| Salman Agha | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Shadab Khan ★ not out | 30* | 35 | 3 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Abdul Samad ★ not out | 19* | 25 | 1 | 1 | 76.00 |
Extras: 5 (b 0, lb 2, w 3) | Total: 161/6 (41.5 overs) — Target: 158
🇦🇺 Australia Bowling Figures
vs Pakistan
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Kuhnemann ⭐ | 10 | 1 | 38 | 3/38 | 3.80 |
| Nathan Ellis | 9 | 0 | 38 | 2/38 | 4.22 |
| Adam Zampa | 9 | 0 | 39 | 1/39 | 4.33 |
| Cameron Green | 6 | 0 | 26 | 0/26 | 4.33 |
| Cooper Connolly | 4.5 | 0 | 15 | 0/15 | 3.10 |
| Tanveer Sangha | 3 | 0 | 12 | 0/12 | 4.00 |
Key Performers – Stars of the 3rd ODI
🇵🇰
Player of the Match
Shaheen Shah Afridi
3 / 30
10 overs · Economy 3.00 · Captain
🇵🇰
Player of the Series
Arafat Minhas
60 runs
7 wkts
3 matches · ODI debut series · Age 21
🇦🇺
Cricinfo MVP (Aus)
Josh Inglis
65 runs
71 balls · 6 fours · 1 six · Top scorer
🇵🇰
Turning Point Partner
Shadab Khan
30* & 2/28
All-round game · First ODI wkt since Oct 2023
Key Moments – Over-by-Over Highlights
Over 0.2 — Australia Batting
Matthew Short dismissed for a duck. Shaheen Afridi struck in the very first over — the ball nipped in, Short’s bottom hand came off the bat, and the ball looped to mid-on. Identical to his series dismissals pattern. Australia were immediately reeling: 0 for 1.
Over 26 — Australia Batting
Shaheen removes the set Inglis (65). The Australian captain had been the lone warrior. Shaheen returned to his spell and thumped it hard into the surface, forcing a mistimed lofted drive. Inglis offered a simple catch; Australia slid to 119 for 4. The momentum swung hard to Pakistan.
Over 27 — Australia Batting
Shaheen strikes again: Cameron Green gone for 7. Back-to-back wickets from the Pakistan captain. Green clipped a full delivery straight to Babar Azam at short midwicket. Australia were unravelling.
Shadab’s Breakthrough — Pakistan Bowling
Shadab Khan’s first ODI wicket since October 2023. A moment of redemption. The leg-spinner found turn and bounce and beat the outside edge. A reminder of what Pakistan cricket missed during his ODI absence. He would finish with 2 for 28.
Pakistan 112 for 6 — The Crisis Point
Kuhnemann strikes three times. The left-arm spinner found genuine purchase, reducing Pakistan to a shaky position 46 runs short of the target. The match was wide open. Australia had hope.
Overs 37–41.5 — The Winning Stand
Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad: Unbroken 49-run partnership. Calm, calculated, and controlled. Both batters rotated strike, avoided taking on the spinners unnecessarily, and kept their heads. Shadab’s winning boundary triggered celebrations across Gaddafi Stadium.
Pak vs Aus ODI Series 2026 – Complete Series Results
The three-match series was a fascinating contest. Australia, missing several first-choice players, competed remarkably well on surfaces deliberately prepared to challenge them — and very nearly pulled off a series win.
| # | Date | Venue | Winner | Result | POTM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | May 30, 2026 | Rawalpindi | Pakistan | PAK won by 5 wkts (45 balls rem) | Arafat Minhas (18* & 5/32) |
| 2nd ODI | June 2, 2026 | Lahore | Australia | AUS won by 41 runs (PAK 190 v AUS 231/9) | Cameron Green / Matt Renshaw |
| 3rd ODI | June 4, 2026 | Lahore | Pakistan | PAK won by 4 wkts (49 balls rem) | Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/30) |
The Pak vs aus 2nd ODI was the pivotal contest. Australia’s 231/9 — largely built on Josh Inglis and Cameron Green’s gritty partnership alongside Matt Renshaw’s eye-catching form — was too much for Pakistan’s batters on a slightly easier track. But Pakistan regrouped for the decider and delivered exactly when it mattered.
Pak vs Aus 2026 – Full Series Statistics
Top Run Scorers — Series
🇦🇺 Josh Inglis129 runs (avg 43.0)
🇵🇰 Babar Azam125 runs (avg 41.7)
🇵🇰 Ghazi Ghori110 runs (avg 36.7)
Top Wicket Takers — Series
🇵🇰 Shaheen Afridi7 wkts (avg 12.14)
🇵🇰 Arafat Minhas7 wkts (avg 12.28)
🇦🇺 Nathan Ellis7 wkts (avg 16.85)
Pak vs Aus Players – Full Squads 2026
The squads for the 2026 Australia tour of Pakistan saw significant changes on both sides. Pakistan brought back Babar Azam and Naseem Shah after their absence during the Bangladesh series, while introducing three uncapped players in wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal, and the outstanding left-arm spin all-rounder Arafat Minhas. Australia, meanwhile, fielded without their first-choice skipper Mitchell Marsh (ankle injury, IPL), making this a genuine development tour for several younger Australians.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Squad
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)Pacer
- Babar AzamBatter
- Sahibzada FarhanBatter
- Maaz SadaqatBatter
- Ghazi Ghori (wk)WK-Batter
- Rohail Nazir (wk)WK-Batter
- Salman Ali AghaAll-rounder
- Abdul SamadAll-rounder
- Shadab KhanLeg-spin AR
- Arafat Minhas ★SLA All-rounder
- Abrar AhmedWrist Spinner
- Sufiyan MuqeemLeft-arm Spin
- Haris RaufPacer
- Naseem ShahPacer
- Ahmed Daniyal ★Pacer
- Shamyl HussainPacer
🇦🇺 Australia Squad
- Josh Inglis (c/wk)WK-Batter
- Alex Carey (wk)WK-Batter
- Matt ShortBatter
- Oliver Peake ★Batter
- Marnus LabuschagneBatter
- Matthew RenshawBatter
- Cameron GreenAll-rounder
- Cooper ConnollyAll-rounder
- Liam ScottAll-rounder
- Adam ZampaLeg Spinner
- Tanveer SanghaLeg Spinner
- Matthew KuhnemannLeft-arm Spin
- Nathan EllisPacer
- Riley MeredithPacer
- Billy Stanlake ★Pacer (comeback)
★ = ODI newcomer / returning player. Mitchell Marsh (c) absent — ankle injury.
Arafat Minhas – Pakistan’s Breakthrough Star of 2026
If one name will define this series in Pakistan cricket’s memory, it is Arafat Minhas. Born January 2, 2005 in Multan, the 21-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder walked into his ODI debut on May 30, 2026, and never looked back. He didn’t just play — he dominated.
In the 1st ODI, Minhas announced himself to the world with a stunning 5 wickets for 32 runs and a vital unbeaten 18 off 17 balls to steer Pakistan over the line. He was named both Player of the Match and, ultimately, Player of the Series for his combined contribution of 60 runs and 7 wickets across three matches at an average under 13.
What makes Minhas exceptional is his maturity. Despite being just 21, he has the game intelligence of a seasoned campaigner — reading the pitch, varying his pace, and backing himself with the bat under pressure. His emergence provides Pakistan a genuine spin all-round option that fills a key gap in their ODI structure heading into the 2027 World Cup.
Pak vs Aus 2026 – Tactical Analysis and Series Takeaways
Pakistan’s Pitch Strategy: Controversial but Effective
Pakistan’s decision to prepare spin-heavy, turning surfaces for the series drew significant criticism from fans and pundits — including prominent voices on ESPNcricinfo’s feedback sections — who argued it did little to develop Pakistan’s batting depth or prepare them for proper conditions at the 2027 World Cup in southern Africa.
There is validity to that concern. Pakistan’s batters clearly found their own pitches challenging — 190 all out in the 2nd ODI and a scare at 112 for 6 in the 3rd ODI on a surface they prepared — which raises legitimate questions about whether the tactical gains outweigh the developmental costs.
However, the counter-argument is equally strong: these pitches exposed Australia’s weakness against quality spin, and they tested Pakistan’s own bowlers’ adaptability and character. Arafat Minhas, Abrar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan’s performances on these surfaces have added genuine World Cup depth.
Australia’s Silver Linings
Losing the series 2-1 in challenging conditions with a depleted squad is far from a disaster for Australia. Josh Inglis led admirably and top-scored in the series. Matt Renshaw’s consistent form across the Pakistan and Bangladesh legs of the tour marks him as a serious white-ball contender. Oliver Peake, just 19, showed the maturity and shot-making ability that justified the excitement around him. And Matthew Kuhnemann proved his value as a genuine ODI wicket-taker in subcontinental conditions, his 3 for 38 in the series decider showing real quality.
Pakistan’s Concerns Going Forward
Despite the series win, questions remain. Babar Azam’s form — while solid (125 runs at 41.66) — has drawn comment about the quality of opposition and pitch conditions. The top-order reliance on Maaz Sadaqat’s aggression at the top and Babar’s solidity at three is a framework that could be exposed on flatter, faster tracks. And the absence of Mohammad Rizwan — dropped after the Bangladesh series — remains a talking point about Pakistan’s long-term ODI strategy.
Pak vs Aus ODI Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan’s win in this series is part of a fascinating recent pattern in the Pakistan–Australia ODI rivalry. Pakistan have won their last three bilateral home ODI series against Australia, a remarkable record against a nation that historically dominated this fixture.
Historically, Australia lead the all-time ODI head-to-head record between these two nations comprehensively, but Pakistan have claimed the home advantage convincingly in recent years. The 2026 series continues that home dominance trend, while Australia’s away form in the subcontinent remains a genuine development project.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pak vs Aus ODI 2026
Who won the Pak vs Aus 3rd ODI 2026?
Pakistan won the 3rd ODI against Australia by 4 wickets at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on June 4, 2026. Pakistan chased down a target of 158, finishing on 161/6 in 41.5 overs with 49 balls remaining.
What was the final series result of Pak vs Aus ODI 2026?
Pakistan won the 3-match ODI series 2-1. Pakistan won the 1st ODI (May 30, Rawalpindi) by 5 wickets, Australia won the 2nd ODI (June 2, Lahore) by 41 runs, and Pakistan clinched the series with a 4-wicket win in the 3rd ODI (June 4, Lahore).
Who was the Player of the Match in Pak vs Aus 3rd ODI 2026?
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) was named Player of the Match for his 3 wickets for 30 runs in 10 overs, including the key dismissal of Josh Inglis and Cameron Green in quick succession.
Who was the Player of the Series in Pak vs Aus 2026?
Arafat Minhas (Pakistan) was named Player of the Series. In his debut ODI series, the 21-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder from Multan scored 60 runs and took 7 wickets across 3 matches at an average under 13.
Where was the Pak vs Aus 3rd ODI 2026 played?
The 3rd ODI was played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. The match started at 16:30 local time on June 4, 2026 (Day/Night format).
How many wickets did Shaheen Afridi take in the 3rd ODI?
Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3 wickets for 30 runs in 10 overs in the 3rd ODI. His economy rate of 3.00 was exceptional and he finished as the joint leading wicket-taker in the series with 7 wickets alongside Arafat Minhas.
What happened when Pakistan were 112 for 6 in the chase?
Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad came together with Pakistan needing 46 runs for victory. The pair built an unbeaten 49-run partnership, batting with composure on a difficult pitch. Shadab struck the winning boundary to seal the series win for Pakistan.
Who is Arafat Minhas and why is he so important for Pakistan?
Arafat Minhas (born January 2, 2005 in Multan) is a left-arm spin all-rounder who made his ODI debut in this series. He fills a crucial role for Pakistan — a genuine batting all-rounder who can bowl quality spin. His 7 wickets and 60 runs in this series at age 21 have fast-tracked him as a key player in Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2027 plans.
Where can I watch Pak vs Aus ODI 2026 live?
In Pakistan, matches were broadcast live on PTV Sports and streamed on Tapmad TV. In India, fans could watch via the Sports TV YouTube channel. In Australia, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports carried the series. Check your local broadcaster for replay coverage.
Did Shadab Khan play in the Pak vs Aus 2026 series?
Yes. Shadab Khan returned to Pakistan’s ODI side for this series, having not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup. He contributed across all three matches and took his first ODI wicket since October 2023 in the series decider, finishing with 2 for 28.
Final Verdict – Pakistan Win What Matters
The Pak vs aus ODI Series 2026 Australia tour of Pakistan produced exactly the kind of low-scoring, competitive cricket that the spin-friendly pitches guaranteed. Whether Pakistan’s surface strategy is the right call ahead of a World Cup on South African tracks is a debate that will continue. But on the numbers that matter most, Pakistan delivered: they won the series 2-1, they found a breakout star in Arafat Minhas, and they extended their home ODI dominance over Australia.
For Australia, this tour served its purpose. Josh Inglis led capably. Matt Renshaw’s white-ball form has been one of the most consistent stories in Australian cricket since late 2025. And several young players — Oliver Peake, Cooper Connolly — gained valuable subcontinental experience ahead of a big 2027 World Cup campaign.
Pakistan vs Australia ODI cricket remains one of the most watchable rivalries in the game, and this three-match series — low-scoring, tense, and decided on the last day — was a worthy addition to that history.
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