Perth (TDI): Pakistan clinched a historic victory in the third and final ODI against Australia on Sunday, securing their first-ever series win on Australian soil in 22 years.
With this triumph, the Green Shirts ended a two-decade wait, their last 50-over series win Down Under dating back to 2002.
Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan made light work of the chase, comfortably reaching 143-2 in just 26.5 overs to win by eight wickets and take the series 2-1.
Earlier, Pakistan’s fast bowlers were the architects of their success, restricting Australia to a mere 140 in 31.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the charge with three wickets apiece, showcasing exceptional swing and pace.
The hosts were quickly reduced to 79-5, with Pakistan’s seam attack proving too hot to handle.
The key dismissals included Jake Fraser-McGurk (7), Aaron Hardie (12), and debutant captain Josh Inglis (7), while Matt Short (22) and Glenn Maxwell (0) also fell cheaply.
Mohammad Hasnain delivered a blow to Cooper Connolly’s left hand, forcing the young batsman to retire hurt, further compounding Australia’s woes.
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The visitors’ seamers maintained relentless pressure, with Haris Rauf picking up two wickets and finishing with 2-24.
Sean Abbott top-scored for Australia with 30 runs, but the Pakistan seamers wiped out the tail, leaving the hosts with little to build on.
In response, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) provided a solid foundation, putting on 84 runs for the first wicket.
Despite both being dismissed in quick succession by Lance Morris (2-24) in the 18th over, Mohammad Rizwan (30*) and Babar Azam (28*) took the side over the line with ease, ensuring a historic series win.
Rizwan, leading Pakistan for the first time, expressed his delight at the landmark victory.
“This is a very special moment for me. Beating Australia in Australia is never easy,” said the captain, praising the fast bowlers’ stellar performance.
He also commended the openers for providing crucial starts in the second and third ODIs.
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On the other hand, Australian skipper Inglis acknowledged his side’s poor showing in the series.
“We have been completely outclassed by Pakistan,” he admitted, highlighting the team’s batting failures in the latter stages of the series.
Rauf, who claimed three wickets in the decider, was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his outstanding contributions, finishing with 10 wickets.
Saim Ayub, with 125 runs across the series, was the top scorer for Pakistan.
This remarkable series win marks a significant achievement for Pakistan, as they look to build on this momentum for future challenges.
