Pak vs Aus Live: Josh Inglis Hits Fifty as Australia Reach 120/4 Against Pakistan

Australia's innings began disastrously after opener Matthew Short departed for a duck on just the second ball of the match. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the perfect start for the hosts, with Sahibzada Farhan completing the catch to leave Australia struggling at 0/1.

Following the early setback, Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne rebuilt the innings with a cautious partnership. The pair guided Australia through the remainder of the powerplay and steadily added runs despite Pakistan's tight bowling. However, Labuschagne's resistance ended on 19 when a sharp piece of fielding resulted in a run out involving Haris Rauf and Arafat Minhas. Australia slipped to 46/2 in the 12th over.

Inglis continued to anchor the innings and found support from Alex Carey. The duo added valuable runs during the middle overs and helped Australia regain some momentum. Inglis reached his half-century from 56 deliveries, striking five boundaries and a six along the way. The partnership also carried Australia beyond the 100-run mark, which came in the 23rd over.

Pakistan struck back soon after when Haris Rauf removed Carey for 19. The wicket halted Australia's progress and handed the hosts another breakthrough at a crucial stage of the innings. Carey faced 32 balls and contributed one boundary before his dismissal left Australia at 98/3.

The biggest breakthrough came in the 27th over when Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to dismiss the well-set Inglis for 65. Once again, Sahibzada Farhan held onto the catch as Pakistan removed Australia's captain shortly after he had laid a strong platform. Inglis' 71-ball knock included eight fours and one six and proved to be the backbone of Australia's innings.

At 120/4 after 26.2 overs, Australia found themselves needing a strong finish from Cameron Green and the remaining middle order. Green remained unbeaten on seven, while several batters, including Matt Renshaw and Oliver Peake, were still waiting to bat.

Pakistan's bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Shaheen led from the front with figures of 2/15 from 3.1 overs, while Haris Rauf claimed one wicket and conceded only 27 runs in six overs. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was particularly economical, giving away just 11 runs in his five-over spell.

With Australia four wickets down and the run rate hovering below five an over, Pakistan held the advantage as the decisive third ODI entered a crucial phase.