Pakistan beats Australia by nine wickets in Lahore to clinch first home ODI series win over Australia in 34 years

The Australian side has offered no excuses after being outclassed by nine wickets in their ODI series decider in Lahore, pummelled by another batting masterclass from Pakistan's dazzling double act Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq.

«We were outplayed — it's as simple as that,» shrugged Australian captain Aaron Finch, who, in gloomy contrast, posted consecutive ducks for the first time in his international career on Saturday.

Captain Babar raced to a second consummate century in three days while Imam tormented the visitors yet again with 89 not out as the hosts eased past Australia's wholly inadequate 210 all out with 73 balls to spare.

Their unbroken second-wicket partnership of 190 powered Pakistan to a 2-1 series win after losing the first match on Tuesday, leaving a cricket-mad nation ecstatic about its first home ODI series victory over Australia since 1988.

Babar's unbeaten 105 off 115 balls made him the player of the series, a world away from the continuing struggles of his counterpart Finch, who was trapped plumb LBW by Haris Rauf without scoring.

«Obviously, my performance hasn't been up to scratch, there's no doubting that. It's frustrating,» Finch conceded.

Finch, though, praised his team, who were without a hatful of key players.

«I'm really proud of how the boys tried their hearts out,» he said.

«There were more positives than negatives throughout in all three games. We were just on the receiving end of a couple of great knocks from Babar and Imam.»

In the decider, only Alex Carey (56 off 61 balls) and some late heroics from Sean Abbott (49 off 40 balls) ensured Australia fended off calamity after Finch had lost a third straight toss and been asked to bat.

At 8-162 in the 35th over, they had even been in danger of a