Series: Pakistan tour of Australia, 2024
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Match: Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI
Pakistan’s pace attack has struck decisively in the opening overs, leaving Australia reeling at 59/3 in 12 overs. With disciplined and aggressive bowling, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah capitalized on early swing and seam, delivering crucial breakthroughs to unsettle the Australian top order.
1st Wicket: Naseem Shah Breaks Through in the 4th Over
The initial breakthrough came from Naseem Shah, who bowled a gem of a delivery to Fraser-McGurk in the 4th over. Naseem pitched it up in a teasing line and length, tempting the batter into an ambitious drive. Fraser-McGurk, struggling with hard hands and limited foot movement, misjudged the ball’s movement and edged it to keeper Mohammad Rizwan, who took a comfortable catch. Pakistan celebrated the dismissal, as Fraser-McGurk walked back for 7 off 9 balls, leaving Australia at 13/1.
2nd Wicket: Shaheen Afridi Dismisses Hardie with Persistent Pressure
Shaheen Afridi soon joined the party with his trademark in-swingers. He had Hardie in trouble early, and in the 7th over, his persistence paid off. Afridi delivered a good-length ball that shaped back in sharply, and Hardie, uncertain, attempted a half-hearted leave. However, he couldn’t pull the bat away in time, and the ball brushed the edge, flying to second slip. Agha Salman dived to his right to complete a sharp catch, removing Hardie for 12 off 13 balls with two boundaries. Australia stumbled further to 35/2 as Shaheen’s probing line continued to frustrate the batters.
.@iShaheenAfridi gets on the board after the first blow by @iNaseemShah! 👊#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/fRz1n3eQR6
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 10, 2024
3rd Wicket: Naseem Strikes Again, Inglis Departs with a Top-Edge
Australia’s skipper Josh Inglis soon followed in the 11th over. Naseem Shah returned with a short ball outside off that tempted Inglis into a pull. Attempting to fetch the ball from wide outside, Inglis lost control, sending a massive top-edge high into the air. Rizwan calmly claimed the catch, taking down Australia’s captain for 7 off 19 balls. Pakistan celebrated their third success as Australia slipped to 56/3, firmly on the back foot.
— PCT Replays 💚 (@PCTReplays) November 10, 2024
