In a stunning reversal of fortunes, the Pakistan vs Australia ODI series turned out in Pakistan’s favor in which the Pakistan cricket team has achieved the unthinkable.
Pakistan on Sunday outclassed Australia in the third and final ODI to win the three-match series — the first won by the Green Shirts on Australian soil in 22 years.
Securing their first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002, an unchanged Pakistan restricted the hosts to 140 in 31.5 overs before mowing down the total by scoring 143-2 in 26.5 overs.
The Green Shirts’ eight-wicket triumph in the third and final ODI at Optus Stadium marked a remarkable turnaround for the visitors, who had been written off by many after a heartbreaking loss in the series opener.
Led by captain Mohammed Rizwan and coach Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s team demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork to overcome the hosts and make history.
Securing its first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002, an unchanged Pakistan restricted the hosts to 140 from 31.5 overs before mowing down the total by scoring 143-2 in 26.5 overs.
Pakistan Stun Australia with Historic Series Victory
Pakistan won a stunning eight-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final ODI at Optus Stadium, securing their first series win in Australia since 2002.
This triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for the visitors, who had been engulfed in turmoil ahead of the tour.
Clinical Performance
Pakistan’s four-pronged attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-32) and Naseem Shah (3-54), routed a shorthanded Australia for 140 in just 31.5 overs.
Haris Rauf (2-24) and Mohammad Hasnain complemented the pace duo, leaving Australia struggling to cope with the hostile short balls.
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Australia’s Woes
Australia’s batting lineup, sans their Test stars, failed to fire, with no batter scoring a half-century across the series.
The hosts’ shot selections on a bouncy surface were questionable, and their fielding was sloppy, dropping crucial catches.
A jubilant Rauf found the edge of Glenn Maxwell on zero, leaving Australia reeling at 79-5.
No spin was used as the Pakistan seamers maintained the pressure and mopped up the tail. Sean Abbott top-scored with 30.
Pakistan’s Revival
Under interim captain Mohammed Rizwan and coach Jason Gillespie, Pakistan demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork.
Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) laid the foundation for a comfortable chase, while Rizwan and Babar Azam sealed the win with a flurry of boundaries.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the way, picking up three wickets apiece during a showcase of swing and pace which accounted for Jake Fraser-McGurk (seven) and Aaron Hardie (12) in the first powerplay.
Series Summary
Pakistan won the series 2-1, rebounding from a heart-wrenching loss in the opener at the MCG.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Pakistan, which had previously struggled in Australia.
Stats and Records
– Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia since 2002
– Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 3-32 was his best figures in Australia
– Naseem Shah’s 3-54 was his second consecutive three-wicket haul
– Haris Rauf’s 2-24 was his fourth consecutive two-wicket haul
Quotes
“Pakistan’s performance was outstanding. We worked hard to achieve this result,” – Mohammed Rizwan, Pakistan Captain
“We were outplayed in all departments. We need to regroup and focus on the Champions Trophy,” – Josh Inglis, Australia Captain
“It was a great feeling for us as a country, as a nation,” said fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. “Everyone is so excited.”
“Our whole batting lineup really didn’t get going at all throughout the series,” Inglis told reporters.
Next Steps
Pakistan’s historic win sets them up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, while Australia faces questions ahead of the tournament.
Series Highlights
Saim Ayub: 125 runs in 3 Innings with an Average of 41.66
Abdullah Shafique: 113 runs in 3 Innings with an Average of 56.60
Babar Azam: 80 runs in 3 Innings with an Average of 80.00
Haris Rauf: 10 wickets in 3 innings with an average of 12.00
Shaheen Shah Afridi: 8 wickets in 3 innings with an average of 12.62
Naseem Shah: 5 wickets in 3 innings with an average of 31.60
Series Awards
– Player of the Series: Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
– Best Batsman: Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
– Best Bowler: Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Conclusion
Pakistan’s historic series victory in Australia marks a new chapter in their cricketing history. With this win, they have proven their mettle as a formidable team, capable of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.
Pakistan’s historic series victory in the Pakistan vs Australia ODI series is a testament to the team’s unwavering determination and spirit.
As they look ahead to the upcoming Champions Trophy, this triumph will undoubtedly boost confidence and momentum.
With their maiden ODI series win in Australia in 21 years, Pakistan has sent a resounding message to the cricketing world: they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Green Shirts’ fans will be eagerly awaiting their next challenge, hopeful that this victory marks the beginning of a new era of success for Pakistan cricket
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