Confident Pakistan eye rare series win against weakened Australia

For Pakistan, Australian soil has long been a battleground of disappointments, haunted by years of losses. However, spurred on by the fiery pace of Haris Rauf, Pakistan now stands on the brink of an extraordinary series win in Australia. Riding high after a commanding nine-wicket win over the reigning world champions in Adelaide, they approach Sunday’s decider at the Optus Stadium with a surge of confidence.

Yet, any firm predictions are risky with Pakistan’s unpredictable form. Still, Pakistan heads into the third and final ODI in Perth as clear favorites. They were tantalizingly close to sealing the series in the second game, if not for Pat Cummins’ late-game heroics with the bat at the MCG. The second ODI saw Pakistan dominate comprehensively, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup through a showcase of pace bowling, while young opener Saim Ayub dismantled the Australian attack with striking ease.

This second ODI performance was one of the most clinical by a visiting team on Australian shores. The team, still finding stability after the recent resignation of white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, now senses an improbable series victory within reach, facing a weakened Australian squad. Several of Australia’s star players—Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne—have been rested as they gear up for the first Test against India.

Stepping up for his captaincy debut is Josh Inglis, who will become Australia’s 30th ODI captain, also leading the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Inglis, despite a heavy workload as wicketkeeper, has not led Western Australia or the Perth Scorchers in the BBL but comes with recognized tactical skill. His leadership credentials were showcased when he captained a strong Prime Minister’s XI against the West Indies two years ago. Inglis, who began the season in excellent form, will hope to capitalize on familiar conditions at the Optus Stadium to start his captaincy tenure on a high note.

At the same time, Pakistan’s Haris Rauf has dominated this series, taking eight wickets and leaving Australia’s batters struggling against his pace. Rauf, at times unplayable on friendly pitches, should enjoy the Optus Stadium’s extra bounce. He has the potential to finish the series with a lasting impact on Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy, particularly if he can replicate the disciplined line and length that saw him dismiss Labuschagne in Adelaide with a near-perfect delivery.

For Australia, the absence of several first-choice players will mean opportunities for emerging talents. Local favorites like Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, and hometown debutants Lance Morris and Cooper Connolly are likely to feature. Quick bowlers Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett are also in the squad, ready to make their mark in the series finale.

Probable Lineups

Australia: 1. Matt Short, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Josh Inglis (captain, wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Aaron Hardie, 7. Cooper Connolly, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Spencer Johnson/Xavier Bartlett, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Lance Morris.

Pakistan: 1. Saim Ayub, 2. Abdullah Shafique, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wk), 5. Kamran Ghulam, 6. Salman Agha, 7. Irfan Khan, 8. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9. Naseem Shah, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Mohammad Hasnain.

Pitch and Conditions

The Optus Stadium offers a fast and bouncy surface, often reminiscent of the nearby WACA. White-ball games here tend to be high-scoring, with batters enjoying the shorter straight boundaries. Western Australia Cricket’s head curator, Isaac McDonald, described it as a surface with “pace, carry, and bounce, but more of a batter’s wicket with lots of runs.” The forecast for Perth predicts mild spring weather, with temperatures in the mid-20s expected for the day game.

Key Stats and Trivia

• Salman Agha boasts the fifth-highest strike rate (94.86) among Pakistani batters who have faced at least 500 deliveries.
• Glenn Maxwell is just 50 runs away from the 4000-run milestone in ODIs.
• This will be the teams’ first ODI match at the Optus Stadium, where Pakistan historically leads 4-3 at the WACA.
• Only two ODIs have been held at Optus: England defeated Australia by 12 runs in January 2018, and South Africa won by six wickets later that year.