Key Takeaways
- Pakistan leads the three‑match ODI series 1‑1 after winning the opener in Rawalpindi and losing the second game in Lahore.
- Nathan Ellis was the standout bowler in the second ODI, claiming 4/33 and removing both Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam early.
- Australia posted a modest but defendable total of 231, built on patient half‑centuries from interim captain Josh Inglis and Cameron Green.
- Shadab Khan’s gritty 71 off 104 balls kept Pakistan in the chase, but a late‑order collapse saw him fall to Tanveer Sangha, sealing the Aussie victory.
- The third and deciding ODI will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on June 4, 2025, with a 4:30 p.m. local start (5:00 p.m. IST).
- Both teams are expected to field unchanged XIs; Pakistan retains Shadab Khan despite recent bowling criticism, while Australia brings back Adam Zampa after neck‑spasm recovery.
- No official TV broadcast or live stream is available for the series in India; fans must rely on online updates or international feeds.
- Pakistan are slight favourites in betting markets (1.66) versus Australia (2.18) on Dafabet, though odds can shift.
Pakistan and Australia are locked at 1‑1 in their three‑match ODI series, setting up a decisive clash at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, June 4, 2025. The hosts snatched the first encounter in Rawalpindi, but the visitors leveled the series in Lahore with a convincing performance built around a fiery spell from fast bowler Nathan Ellis. Ellis finished with figures of 4/33, striking early to dismiss opener Maaz Sadaqat and then removing the linchpin of Pakistan’s batting, Babar Azam, which put the home side on the back foot from the outset.
Australia’s innings, though not explosive, was sufficiently solid to post a competitive 231 runs from their allotted 50 overs. The total was anchored by two composed half‑centuries: interim captain Josh Inglis, who also kept wickets, and Cameron Green, whose patience at the crease allowed the side to accumulate runs despite a dusty, low‑bounce pitch that offered turn to the spinners. Supporting contributions came from Matt Short (3‑36), Matt Kuhnemann (1‑41), Adam Zampa (1‑30) and Tanveer Sangha (1‑22), with Ellis picking up the remaining wickets. The Australian bowlers collectively exploited the surface, keeping Pakistan’s run‑rate under constant pressure.
In response, Pakistan’s chase began promisingly, with Shadab Khan anchoring the innings with a fighting 71 off 104 balls. His effort displayed resilience and kept the required rate within reach, but wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. As the partnership broke down, the mounting pressure forced Shadab into a risky shot, and he was eventually adjudged leg‑before wicket by Tanveer Sangha. The dismissal triggered a tail‑end collapse, and Pakistan fell short of the target, handing Australia the victory and leveling the series.
Much of the pre‑match discourse has centered on the nature of the pitches used in the first two ODIs, which have exhibited pronounced turn and variable bounce, prompting both teams to lean heavily on spin‑oriented attacks. Whether Pakistan will continue to favor a spin‑heavy approach in the decider remains an open question, especially given the effectiveness of Ellis’s pace in the second game and the potential for the surface to evolve over the five‑day span.
Looking ahead to the third ODI, both franchises are expected to field unchanged line‑ups. Pakistan’s predicted XI includes Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, wicket‑keeper Ghazi Ghori, Arafat Minhas, Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed. Australia’s anticipated side features Matt Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (captain/wicket‑keeper), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha. Notably, Australia recalled Adam Zampa after he recovered from neck spasms, while Billy Stanlake was omitted to make room for the spinner.
The match is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time, which corresponds to 5:00 p.m. Indian Standard Time. Unlike previous internationals, there will be no official television broadcast or live‑stream feed for the series within India; fans in the region will need to follow the game through online score‑updates, radio commentary, or international streaming platforms where available.
In the betting arena, Pakistan are installed as narrow favorites at odds of 1.66 on Dafabet, with Australia’s chances priced at 2.18. These odds reflect the home advantage and Pakistan’s recent win, though they remain subject to change as toss conditions, team news and market movements unfold.
Overall, the series has delivered an engaging contest between two sides adapting to challenging sub‑continental conditions. The final ODI promises to be a tactical battle, with spin versus pace, experience versus youth, and home‑ground familiarity pitted against Australian resilience—all set to determine which nation will claim bragging rights in this three‑match ODI showdown.