Resurgent Pakistan targets series win as Australia grapples with key absences

The third and final ODI between Australia and Pakistan is set to take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, with Pakistan tantalizingly close to an elusive series victory on Australian soil.

After leveling the series 1-1 with a dominant nine-wicket win in Adelaide, Pakistan enters the decider full of confidence, while Australia is grappling with a weakened lineup and several high-profile absences.

Pakistan’s dominance in Adelaide

Pakistan comes into the match with momentum on their side, having dismantled the Australian lineup for just 163 in the second ODI, which they chased down with a staggering 141 balls to spare.

Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, led the charge, with Ayub’s fluent 82 off 71 balls and Shafique’s unbeaten 64 providing a solid foundation. Their partnership of 137 runs in just over 20 overs showed Pakistan’s intent and adaptability to Australian conditions. When Ayub was dismissed by Adam Zampa, Babar Azam finished off the chase with a winning six, adding an exclamation mark to a memorable win.

Pakistan's pace attack has been highly effective in this series. Haris Rauf, who has been Pakistan’s standout bowler, troubled the Australian batsmen in both ODIs with his raw pace and accuracy, snaring figures of 3-67 in the first match and a remarkable 5-29 in the second. Alongside him, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain have provided ample support, forming a formidable pace quartet. Although Naseem was a bit on the expensive side in Adelaide, dropped catches off his bowling hinted at his potential to create opportunities on Australian pitches.

With a dominant victory in Adelaide and confidence under their belt, the visitors are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI.

Australia’s challenges

Australia faces the pressure of regrouping quickly after their comprehensive defeat in Adelaide, but they will have to do so with a depleted squad. The hosts have rested several senior players, including Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, who are preparing for the Test series against India. This leaves Josh Inglis, a relatively inexperienced leader, with the task of steering a new-look Australian side.

In addition to Inglis’ leadership, the Australian playing XI will feature some fresh faces, with local talents like Lance Morris and Cooper Connolly likely to come into consideration.

Josh Inglis will lead Australia in the third ODI against Pakistan on Sunday in Perth.Reuters

Sean Abbott, who played in the first ODI, is expected to return to strengthen Australia’s pace attack. Meanwhile, the experienced all-rounder and Perth native Marcus Stoinis will add some depth to a batting order that has struggled to adapt against Pakistan’s fiery pace.

The under-fire Australian openers, Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, have faced criticism for their shot selection and inconsistent performances across the series. Despite this, head coach Andrew McDonald has backed the pair to maintain an attacking approach and turn their fortunes around.

"Matt Short (in the ODIs and T20s) in England showed he's up to the task," McDonald said.

"And Jake is not the finished article either. I think everyone thinks he may be the finished article. He's going on a journey with his career, and we believe he's good enough to play at this level at this point in time.

"Clearly there's always going to be some setbacks within that. But we believe we've got the right personnel in there to continue to grow as a group."

The pitch in Perth

The Optus Stadium in Perth, known for its pace and bounce, should play to the strengths of both bowling attacks, particularly Pakistan’s. Pakistan’s pacers have embraced the Australian conditions throughout the series, and the fast track at Perth is expected to suit their style once again. However, Pakistan’s quicks will need to find a balance between aggression and discipline, as straying from their lines could invite counterattacks from an Australian side committed to an aggressive approach. The pace and bounce could be a double-edged sword, rewarding bowlers who hit the right areas but punishing those who overreach in search of wickets.

Australia’s bowlers, too, will hope the pitch allows them to unsettle Pakistan’s in-form top order. The absence of some of their star bowlers does leave Australia’s attack relatively inexperienced, but the prospect of local players like Morris stepping up on home soil is a potential boost. Stoinis and Abbott, with their experience in various formats, will be expected to provide stability and apply pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen.

Given the momentum shift in Adelaide and Australia’s significant lineup changes, Pakistan enters the decider as slight favorites. However, Australia’s home advantage, coupled with the prospect of Perth’s challenging conditions, could offer them a chance to bounce back if their young players step up. For Pakistan, the key will be to replicate their disciplined bowling effort and provide another strong start with the bat.

Should Pakistan clinch the series, it would mark a major milestone and provide them with a boost of confidence ahead of future tours. For Australia, this game is an opportunity for emerging players to showcase their potential and prove they belong on the international stage.