Pakistan, set a 419-run victory target after Australia scored 390 in their second innings, finished on 262 for five after being reduced to 78 for four in the first session.

Colin Miller captured three wickets in 22 balls early on. But Ijaz Ahmed stroked a delightful 120 not out and local hero Moin Khan played yet another rescue innings of 75 to deny the touring side with a 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

After the match Australian captain Mark Taylor said: "It is a dream come true.

"This series meant a lot to us and people back home because Pakistan have a phenomenal record at home."

Australia's performance in Pakistan underlines their right to be considered the best Test side in the world.

They won the first Test by an innings and 99 runs in Rawalpindi - their first Test win in Pakistan for 39 years - and drew the second in Peshawar.

Taylor continues winning streak

Taylor, who made his captaincy debut here four years ago, has now won 10 out of 12 Test series and heads home for a five-Test Ashes series against England starting next month.

Ian Healy and Mark Waugh celebrate taking Yousaf Yohanna's wicket

Pakistan captain and man of the match, Aamir Sohail, said: "We were up against the best team in the world.

"They outplayed us in every department of the game. If you have to beat these guys, you have to be mentally and physically fit."

It marks Australia's first series win in Pakistan since Richie Benaud's men beat Fazal Mahmood's team 2-0 in 1959-60.

It was also Australia's first series victory in the sub-continent since Bill Lawry led Australia to a 3-1 win over Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's India in 1969-70.

Early breakthrough

Pakistan's 44-year and 32-Test unbeaten record at the National Stadium was put under severe threat when Miller, a seamer-cum-spinner, reduced Pakistan to 35 for three in the first 60 minutes of play on Monday.

Aamir Sohail is given lbw to Colin Miller

Pakistan plunged into deeper trouble when Yousuf Yohanna's dismissal left them on 75 for four.

However, Ijaz Ahmed and Moin Khan came to the rescue.

It was Ahmed's 10th century in 48 Tests and his fifth against Australia. Ahmed, who had scored 155 at Peshawar, batted for 327 minutes and received 230 deliveries.

Moin Khan, the Pakistan wicketkeeper, played an exquisite innings of 75, his ninth half century in 40 tests. He struck 10 boundaries. He was splendidly caught at square leg by Stuart MacGill off Darren Lehmann.

Both the batsmen had their share of luck. Ijaz was dropped by Taylor off Glenn McGrath when two while Moin Khan was let off by Mark Waugh off leg spinner Stuart MacGill when on 30.

Miller, the 34-year-old Tasmanian, removed Shahid Afridi (6), Aamir Sohail (25) and Salim Malik (0) to finish with figures of three for 82.

He was, however, lucky to earn umpire David Orchard's nod against Afridi and Sohail. Afridi was declared caught behind although the ball did not seem to touch his bat while Sohail was given leg before to a ball that was drifting down the leg-side.

Miller comprehensively beat the defences of Salim Malik to leave the former Pakistan captain with a pair in the match.