Pakistan overcame a horrible fielding effort and another Michael Clarke special to defeat Australia by three wickets in the one-day cricket match at the WACA Ground.

The tourists were guilty of a spate of overthrows, while a seemingly never-ending run of mis-fields appeared likely to subject Pakistan to a third straight loss to Australia in the triangular series.

The world champions reached 265 all out from their 50 overs but Yousuf Youhana (72), man of the match Abdul Razzaq (63 not out) and another late cameo from Shahid Afridi (30 off 13 balls) steered Pakistan to 7-268 with 16 balls to spare.

Pakistan produced a horrible, mistake-riddled effort in the field, with Adam Gilchrist (twice), Damien Martyn and Clarke all dropped by the tourists.

But only Clarke took full advantage of his life, continuing his brilliant summer with an unbeaten 75 from as many balls.

The poor form of opener Matthew Hayden continued, dismissed for just six from 16 balls in a worrying sign ahead of Friday's first final.

The Queenslander is now averaging just 10.5 from his four knocks in the one-day competition this summer.

Gilchrist was given two gilt-edged chances by the Pakistan field, dropped on 23 at slip by Yasir Hameed and again on 37 by Shoaib Malik in the deep.

Each time he was dropped the Aussie vice-captain smashed the following ball to the boundary.

But Gilchrist was bowled a short time later by Razzaq for 47 from 46 balls.

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