Aus clinch historic series win in Pak

Pakistan failed to hold out in the last session of the third and final cricket test as Australia recorded an emphatic 115-run win Friday to clinch the series 1-0.

The hosts were dismissed for 235 in their second innings on a worn-out wicket an hour after tea as Australia enjoyed a successful end to its first test series in Pakistan since 1998. Australia claimed the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, named after leg-spin greats from the two countries — Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir.

Australia captain Pat Cummins clean bowled No. 11 Naseem Shah to secure victory on the fifth day.

Resuming on 73-0, and entering the final session at 190-5, Pakistan collapsed against veteran offspinner Nathan Lyon, who got plenty of turn and bounce from a fifth-day wicket and finished with 5-83 from 37 overs.

Australia was rewarded for setting Pakistan a challenging target of 351 after boldly declaring its second innings at 227-3. Pakistan had conceded a decisive 123-run lead after scoring 268 in its first innings in reply to Australia’s 391.

The first test ended in a tame draw at Rawalpindi where the pitch was rated as below average by the ICC. Babar’s brilliant 196 in more than 10 hours denied Australia a win at Karachi where Pakistan played out 171.4 overs in more than five sessions and forced an epic draw.

Pakistan and Australia start a three-match ODI series on Tuesday.

Brief scores: Australia 391 & 227/3 beat Pakistan 268 and 235 (Imamul-Haq 70, Babar Azam 55; Nathan Lyon 5-82, Pat Cummins 3-23) by 115 runs. (Player of the match: Pat Cummins -5/56 & 3/23)

Player of the series: Usman Khawaja-496 runs