Australia v Pakistan: third men’s one-day international – live

Preamble Martin PeganHello andwelcome to thethird and final ODI between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth.

The one-day international series comes down to this after Pakistan stunned Australia with a resounding nine-wicket victory at Adelaide Oval on Friday. The tourists could now break a 22-year drought as well as lay down a marker ahead of a Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan (at least at this stage).

Pakistan skittled Australia for their lowest total in 50-over matches between the teams , then chased down the target of 164 with ease to seal their first win over Australia in the format since 2017. On the other hand, it was Australia's first nine-wicket defeat on home soil since 1992.

The tourists now have a gilt-edged opportunity to triumph in an ODI series in Australia for the first time since 2002 as the hosts take an undermanned XI into the decider. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will all sit out this ODI and have not even made the trip to Perth as they start to prepare for the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series against India. Priorities, hey!

Can the next generation take command of the Australia side and claim a stirring series victory? I guess we're about to find out. I'll be with you until the innings break when James Wallace will take the reins. First ball is at 11.30am AWST / 2.30pm AEDT. I'll be back shortly with the line-ups and toss news.

Remember to get in touch with any comments, questions, thoughts and predictions. You can find me on X or shoot me an email . Let's get into it!