All to play for in Lahore as Australia, Pakistan eye win in the series decider

**OverviewPakistan vs Australia, third ODI**Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
2 April, 03:00 PM local

Pakistan registered their highest successful run-chase in ODIs and ended their ten-match losing streak against Australia by winning the second ODI. After a setback in the first match, the hosts were desperate to make a comeback, and an excellent performance from the batters helped them level the series 1-1.

Chasing 349, Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman (67) and Imam-ul-Haq (106) laid the foundation with a century stand before skipper Babar Azam starred with an 83-ball 114, pushing his side closer to the victory line.

Their top-order batters' performance in the series has been a significant plus for Pakistan; Imam has now already scored back-to-back hundreds in both ODIs, and the in-form Azam has also contributed, including a masterclass in the second game. The middle-order batters also played some handy knocks as they successfully took Pakistan across the line after two big wickets of Imam and Babar, but Pakistan will be expecting more from Mohammad Rizwan, who hasn't been able to impress with the bat.

The Pakistani batters' success in chasing the total, however, overshadowed all of their bowling shortcomings. Heading into the series decider, there is plenty of room for improvement in the bowling department as they have struggled to pick wickets in both the ODIs. With another similar pitch expected in Lahore for the last ODI, spinners will need to bowl economically. The batters, on the other hand, will want to keep up their good form and put up another dominant batting performance.

Australia, on the other hand, are nowhere behind in producing exceptional performances. Their batters have ticked all the boxes, while their bowlers, especially the spinners have turned up at the right time to keep them in the game. Travis Head's promotion to the top of the order has reaped a lot of benefits for Australia and Ben McDermott following up his half-century in the first ODI with a century in the second, has made the visitors' top-order look solid throughout the series.

Only Aaron Finch's form has been a cause of worry for Australia, as he has struggled to find his rhythm. The middle-order batters Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis' contribution was another positive for Australia.

Remember the last time

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Azam sent the visitors in to set the total, and it was a comprehensive dominant performance in the first innings, with Head continuing his superb form with a 70-ball 89, partnered by McDermott, who scored his maiden century.

Following the early dismissal of captain Finch, Head and McDermott laid the foundation for a big finish with a 162-run partnership. Handy knocks from Labuschagne (59) and Stoinis (49) helped Australia further dominate in the middle overs but Shaheen Shah with his four crucial wickets helped Pakistan restrict Australia at 348/8 in 50 overs.

Chasing the big total, openers Zaman and Imam produced a century opening partnership and laid the foundation for the middle-order batters. However, Stoinis on a flat pitch assisted some grip and dismissed dangerous Zaman on 67, but Imam continued his good form to bring his consecutive century, becoming the first Pakistani player to score back-to-back ODI centuries against Australia.

Azam also produced a masterclass and his 111-run partnership with Imam made the run chase look easy. After completing their centuries, Imam (106) and Babar (114) both lost their wickets, but Khushdil Shah's 17-ball 27* helped Pakistan chase down the score with six balls to spare.

What they said

Babar Azam:“The plan was to bat positively and bat in partnerships. When there are wickets in hand, it becomes easy towards the end and there won't be any pressure of the required rate. We gave 20 runs too many and hopefully we will do better in the next game. This is my hometown and it is a proud moment for me and the team. The overall effort from the team is very pleasing. last time we couldn't chase it down and today it was a complete team effort.”

Aaron Finch:“I think that opening partnership set the foundation for Pakistan and Babar came in and played brilliantly. When you lose the toss, it doesn't make much of a difference. The wicket played really well throughout. I thought we did quite well with the ball and when Pakistan took the risks, it came off and it can happen in ODI cricket with only 4 fielders out during the middle overs.”