NEW DELHI: In a fitting farewell to the longest format of the game, David Warner's impactful innings of 57 guided Australia to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing a 3-0 series sweep on Saturday.
Despite being denied the opportunity to score the match-winning runs, Warner's contribution played a pivotal role in Australia's successful pursuit of a modest target of 130 runs.
Scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd Test
Pakistan, aiming to break a 16-game losing streak in Australia since 1995, added 47 runs to their overnight total but fell short, being dismissed for 115 just before lunch.
Guard of honor for Warner
Warner, playing in his 112th and final Test match, was warmly embraced by opening partner Usman Khawaja at the boundary rope and received a guard of honor from the Pakistani team as he took to the crease.
Khawaja departed early, but Warner showcased determination, cutting the ball through the covers in trademark fashion to score his first boundary.
Warner ended Test career with a half-century
Achieving his 37th Test half-century with a single to square leg, Warner's resilient innings included seven boundaries before falling victim to spinner Sajid Khan with Australia needing just 11 runs for victory.
A crowd of over 22,000 at the Sydney Cricket Ground rose in applause as Warner left the field, marking the end of his illustrious Test career.
Impressive Test career: Warner's journey, marred by the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, concluded with a career tally of 8,786 runs in 112 Tests, boasting an average of 44.59 with 26 centuries since his debut against New Zealand in 2011.
Marnus Labuschagne (62 not out) guided Australia over the finish line shortly after Warner's departure.
Pakistan's frailties exposed
Reflecting on the series, Pakistan, once again, found themselves grappling with their own batting frailties as Josh Hazlewood's impressive spell (4-16) on the penultimate day in Melbourne set the stage for their long losing streak to continue.
In a puzzling decision, Pakistan captain Shan Masood delayed deploying seamer Aamer Jamal, who had previously showcased his talent with a six-wicket haul on debut in Perth.
The convincing victory highlighted Warner's farewell and Australia's dominance, leaving Pakistan to regroup and strategize for future challenges.
(With inputs from Reuters)
