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Follow live: Australia take on Pakistan in series-deciding one-day international clash at Optus Stadium

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Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
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Pakistan were too strong.
Camera IconPakistan were too strong. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Australia are fielding a B-grade line-up at Optus Stadium as they look to wrap up their three-match ODI series with a victory in the deciding game.

Josh Inglis is the stand-in skipper for the Aussies, who have a host of big names being rested including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitch Marsh, Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood.

Follow all the action below, with the first ball at 11.30am.

Wrapping up

As the sightscreen signage is removed, the boundary rope pulled away and the last of the fans filter out, that’s a wrap from Optus Stadium.

A disappointing day for the Aussies, leaving us to wonder what might have been had a full-strength side - or something remotely close to it - been on deck.

Thanks for your company and good night!

WA fans short-changed

Today was a tough beat for plenty of cricket fans, especially those who parted with their hard-earned money days or weeks ago expecting to see somewhere near a full-strength Aussie line-up.

Why could the stars not have staggered their load management to avoid today’s mass resting of seven of their best XI?

Player of the series

Haris Rauf is deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series, with his 10 wickets in the three matches helping put the visitors in a position to claim the trophy.

Josh Inglis speaks at the post-match ceremony, having captained Australia for the first time today, and describes it as a “pretty disappointing performance”.

“We were completely outplayed. It’s up to us to get through tough periods,” he said.

“It was a a really cool experience captaining Australia, but a pretty disappointing series”.

The Pakistan team pose with their trophy.
Camera IconThe Pakistan team pose with their trophy. Credit: AP

Match wrap

Here’s Aaron Kirby’s rundown of the day’s events, which saw Pakistan start strongly and never relent.

They’re celebrating here at Optus Stadium with a long lap of honour, as well they might!

Historic win

Pakistan have not won an ODI series in Australia since 2002.

It’s been a massive month for them after beating England from 1-0 down in a home Test series to now knocking off Australia after going 1-0 down.

Game over

Pakistan complete a very easy win by eight wickets and claim series victory.

Their fast bowlers were far too good for the Australians today and with only 140 on the board they were able to take their time getting set.

They still barely needed half an innings to complete the victory.

The loss will mean little to the Aussies now with a Test summer to focus on but it’s an embarrassing result.

PAK 2-143

Straight bomb

Hardie has been welcomed with a six spanked back over his head.

Pakistan want this win in a hurry and the fans are up for it.

PAK 2-133 needing eight

Cop that

Rizwan has had enough.

The Pakistan skipper skips down the wicket and blasts Abbott over mid-wicket for six.

Abbott has now gone for 46 from just five overs.

PAK 2-114 needing 27

Morris probing

Morris is testing the edges but Babar and Rizwan and milking anything that is not perfect.

Pakistan need 39 to win.

PAK 2-101 after 22

(Wicket) Chop on!

It’s two in the over for Morris!

Saim chops a short-of-a-length ball onto his stumps and both set openers are gone.

Pakistan’s stars are now at the crease, Babar and Rizwan.

PAK 2-85 after 18

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