By Faraz 
Australia
In a dramatic and nail-biting conclusion to the 2023 One Day International (ODI) series, Australia triumphed over Pakistan by a slim margin, with captain Pat Cummins leading from the front to secure a hard-fought win. The match, held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, will be remembered not just for the close result but also for the resilience and leadership displayed by Cummins, who guided his team through a tense and turbulent final few overs.
A Game of High Stakes
With the series level at 1-1, the third and final ODI was always set to be a thriller. Pakistan, buoyed by a strong home record and the presence of key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, were determined to wrap up the series with a win. Australia, on the other hand, were coming off a spirited performance in the second ODI, where their batting line-up had shown considerable promise, but their bowling had faltered under pressure.
The pitch in Lahore, which had been offering some turn for spinners and assistance for fast bowlers, made for a balanced contest, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. Early in the match, both teams faced their challenges, with Pakistan struggling to get partnerships going, while Australia’s chase seemed uncertain, with wickets falling at crucial moments.
Pakistan’s Fightback
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to make use of the early conditions. Their decision appeared to be vindicated when Pakistan’s top order stumbled. Cummins and his bowlers—Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa—kept the pressure on with disciplined line and length, removing openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq for 12 and 15, respectively.
However, the heart of Pakistan’s batting line-up proved tougher to break. Captain Babar Azam and the ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship, crafting a 120-run partnership. Babar, who had been in imperious form throughout the series, played a captain’s knock, accumulating 78 runs before he was dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Starc. Rizwan continued to anchor the innings, but Australia’s bowlers tightened the screws in the final overs, with Zampa and Cummins picking up key wickets to keep Pakistan to a total of 250/8 from their 50 overs.
While 250 was competitive on a pitch showing signs of wear, it didn’t seem like an unassailable target. Still, Australia would have to bat with precision and purpose to avoid an upset.
Australia’s Chase: A Roller Coaster Ride
Australia’s chase got off to a shaky start. The absence of injured opener David Warner was felt early, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had been outstanding in the previous match, struck early again, dismissing Travis Head for just 7 runs with a well-placed yorker. The pressure mounted further when Mitchell Marsh, who had looked dangerous, was removed cheaply, leaving Australia at 48/2.
The middle order needed to take responsibility, and it was once again the combination of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne who steadied the ship with a partnership of 70 runs. Smith, with his trademark composure, seemed to have the situation under control, but his departure for 42 runs—caught behind off a delivery from Haris Rauf—reopened the game.
With the required run rate creeping upwards, Australia’s chase appeared increasingly difficult, especially when they lost another wicket to Afridi. At 155/5, with the required runs still a distant 95, the match was finely poised, and the tension was palpable.
Pat Cummins’ Captaincy Shines
It was then that Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, stepped up. Calm and composed under pressure, Cummins found an able ally in Alex Carey. Together, they played an extraordinary innings, guiding Australia through the choppy waters of Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack. Cummins, usually known for his bowling, showed his all-around skills with a determined knock of 48 runs, playing some crucial shots at vital moments.
Alex Carey also displayed his match-winning mentality, supporting Cummins brilliantly with an unbeaten 35 runs. The pair put on an unbroken 97-run partnership, ensuring Australia crossed the finish line with just two wickets to spare, securing a 3-wicket win.
Cummins’ leadership throughout the innings was exemplary. His decision-making, from backing his bowlers in the first innings to staying calm with the bat in hand, proved to be the defining factor in Australia’s victory. His knock was the epitome of composure under pressure, showing why he is one of the most respected leaders in world cricket today.
Pakistan’s Brave Effort and Australia’s Resilience
While Pakistan will feel frustrated by their inability to close out the game, they were by no means outplayed. The team fought valiantly, with Afridi and Rauf delivering excellent spells with the ball, and Babar Azam leading with a captaincy performance that showed his quality. However, they couldn’t capitalize on the key moments when it mattered most.
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