Pakistan cruised to an eight-wicket win against Australia at Perth Stadium on Sunday, winning the third and final game of the series.  

The visitors restricted the hosts tot 140 from 31.5 overs before reaching 143-2 in 26.5 overs. The win means that Pakistan takes the ODI series 2-1 – their first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002.

Australia, prioritising their upcoming five-Test series against India, rested key players for the series decider, a move that backfired as Pakistan dominated the match.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. None of the Australian batsmen really got going, with Sean Abbott (30 off 41) putting the most runs on the board.  Shaheen Afridi and fellow seam bowler Naseem Shah led the way, picking up three wickets apiece.

In reply, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) had a solid 84-run opening stand. Both batsmen were dismissed by Lance Morris (2-24) in the 18th over. But in came captain Mohammed Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) to seal the deal.

After the match, Rizwan heaped praise on his bowlers, crediting their clinical performance for dismantling Australia's batting lineup.

"All the credit to the bowlers," he said. "Australia in Australia isn't easy. The conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding."

Pakistan will finish their tour Down Under with three T20 internationals starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger