Pakistan Clinches Historic ODI Series Win in Australia After 22 Years

AFP | Pakistan                                                    

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In a remarkable achievement, Pakistan secured their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002, claiming an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third and final match at Perth Stadium. Led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan showcased an impressive performance with both bat and ball to defeat the reigning world champions, wrapping up the series 2-1.

Australia, coming off a narrow win in the series opener, stumbled under the relentless pace and accuracy of Pakistan’s bowlers. The hosts were bowled out for a paltry 140, with standout performances from Pakistan’s pace attack, including Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf. Mohammad Hasnain further disrupted Australia’s innings, notably dismissing Adam Zampa, as the Australian batting lineup crumbled on a challenging Perth pitch.

Pakistan’s chase was led by young openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, who laid a solid foundation. Ayub contributed 42, while Shafique added 37 before both were dismissed. Their steady opening stand put Pakistan on track for victory, with Rizwan’s composed leadership ensuring they reached their target comfortably within 27 overs. This win not only sealed the series but also underscored Pakistan’s rise as a formidable force in world cricket, especially on foreign soil.

The series triumph represents a significant milestone for Rizwan’s team, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions. After narrowly losing the first match in Melbourne, Pakistan bounced back with a resounding nine-wicket win in Adelaide, setting up the thrilling decider in Perth. This historic series win in Australia reinforces Pakistan’s credentials ahead of future tournaments and brings hope to fans longing for consistency in the team’s overseas performances.

This victory marks a turning point for Pakistan’s ODI ambitions and serves as a testament to their improved preparation and resilience. For Rizwan and his team, the focus will now be on building on this momentum as they eye future challenges, with aspirations of reaching new heights in international cricket.