PERTH – Australia thrashed Pakistan by 7 wickets in the third One-Day International (ODI) at Perth on Thursday.
Aussies now lead the series by 2-1.
In reply to Pakistan’s 264-7, the host chased down the target with 30 balls to spare with the help of Skipper Steven Smith’s unbeaten 108.
Babar Azam made a poised 84, reaching a milestone 1,000 runs from just 21 innings ─ the first for a Pakistani batsman in ODIs.
Opener Sharjeel Khan made a sprightly half century from 46 to give Pakistan an assertive beginning after being sent in to bat.
Hazlewood bowled an outstanding last spell to prevent Pakistan getting what seemed likely to be a score close to 300. He dismissed Hafeez, Babar and Akmal, ending with 3-32 from his 10 overs.
Shoaib Malik and Umer Akmal scored 39 each to help touring side set a satisfactory total.
On the other hand, Hazlewood took 3 wickets while Travis Head sent two Pakistanis to pavilion.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and decided to field first against Pakistan.
The match started at 08:20 am Pakistan time, which corresponds to 01:20 pm Australian time, 03:20 GMT and 08:00 am according to Indian time.
Star Sports Select HD 2 is telecasting live action for viewers in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Channel Nine is broadcasting in Australia, BT Sport in the UK and Willow Sports in the US.
Viewers in Pakistan and UAE can also watch the action on PTV Sports and Ten Sports.
Team Pakistan have decided to maintain the winning XI of Melbourne ODI whereas Australia have made a couple of changes for the third contest.
Middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb will make his limited overs debut and he will replace the injured Mitchell Marsh. Fast bowler Billy Stanlake comes in for Mitchell Starc, who is being rested. Chris Lynn, who missed Sunday’s match because of a neck injury, will be out for the remainder of the five-match series.
Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez (capt), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan.
Australia: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Billy Stanlake.
