For the first time on their entire tour, Australia were outsmarted in all departments, and conceded a well-fought ODI series to Pakistan. A dream start from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf was followed by complete dominance from Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan overhauled a target of 211 with ease to clinch the series 2-1, their first series win against Australia after two decades.
Afridi began the day with a low full toss with a hint of away swing that castled Travis Head's stumps. Head proved to be a thorn in Pakistan's flesh throughout the series, and his dismissal was the first of many boxes that Pakistan ticked early in the game.
In the next over, Aaron Finch's rash attempt against Haris Rauf brought an end to his dismal series, where he managed to get off the mark only once in three attempts. Marnus Labuschagne's dismissal reduced Australia to 6/3. Cam Green and Alex Carey eventually lifted Australia from 67/5 to 148/6.
Carey's 56 and a quick 49 from Sean Abbott gave Australia something to fight for as Mohammad Wasim Jr and Rauf claimed three wickets each.
Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman in the fourth over before Babar and Imam made a light work of the chase. They batted with impeccable control and flair to guide Pakistan across the target in just 37.5 overs. Imam remained unbeaten on 89, while Babar (105) struck his second successive century of the series.
Australia 210 in 41.5 overs (Alex Carey 56; Haris Rauf 3-39) lost to Pakistan 214/1 in 37.5 overs (Babar Azam 105*; Nathan Ellis 1-38) by 9 wickets with 49 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Babar Azam.
Pakistan won the series 2-1. Player of the Series: Babar Azam