Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-32) and Naseem Shah (3-54) spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack, dismantling an under-strength Australian lineup for just 140 at Optus Stadium. Pakistan comfortably chased down the target with 23.1 overs to spare, led by Saim Ayub’s 42, Abdullah Shafique’s 37, and an unbeaten 30 from Mohammad Rizwan.
Australia, missing their Test players ahead of the upcoming series against India, struggled after falling from 20-0 to 88-6, with Cooper Connolly forced to retire hurt due to a suspected broken hand from a Mohammad Hasnain delivery. Sean Abbott top-scored with 30, but six batters failed to reach double digits. “Our whole batting line-up really didn't get going at all throughout the series," admitted Australian captain Josh Inglis. Pakistan’s openers Ayub and Shafique set a strong foundation with an 84-run stand before Rizwan and Babar Azam sealed the 2-1 series victory.