Pakistan achieved a remarkable milestone under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan. For the first time in 22 years, Pakistan clinched an ODI series win on Australian soil. After a tough start with a loss in the first ODI, Pakistan made a stunning comeback, winning the final two matches to secure a 2-1 series victory.
This series win serves as a significant morale boost for the Pakistani team, especially after a challenging year in white-ball cricket. Both the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 yielded disappointing results for Pakistan. This victory brings hope and optimism for the future.
Pakistan Wins the Decisive Match in Perth
The third and final match in Perth saw Pakistan in dominant form. Winning the toss, Rizwan elected to bowl first, putting the young Australian side, led by Josh Inglis, on the back foot. Without their usual Test stars, Australia’s team was forced to make five changes, affecting their stability and performance.
Pakistan’s pace attack was unstoppable. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah both claimed three wickets, with Haris Rauf taking two more. This deadly trio restricted Australia to a low total of 140 runs, a score that underscored Australia’s struggle against the experienced Pakistani bowlers.
Only five Australian players managed to reach double figures. Sean Abbott’s 30 was the highest score for the hosts, barely helping them avoid a total collapse.
Shafique and Ayub Shine in Chase
Chasing 141, Pakistan made a strong start. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub built a solid partnership, scoring 84 runs together. Shafique scored 37, and Ayub contributed 42 before both fell in the same over to Lance Morris. However, Babar Azam (28*) and Rizwan (30*) ensured a smooth finish, guiding Pakistan to victory in just 26.5 overs.
Pakistan vs Australia: Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah Keep Things Tight
First ODI
The first ODI in Melbourne saw Pakistan struggle. Australia’s pacers put Pakistan under pressure, limiting them to 203 runs. Rizwan was the standout batsman, scoring 44 off 71 balls. Mitchell Starc’s early strikes and Pat Cummins’ two wickets created a challenging situation for Pakistan.
In reply, Australia faced a middle-order collapse but managed to cross the target, thanks to Cummins’ quick 32 off 31 balls. Australia won the first match, placing Pakistan under pressure to bounce back.
Second ODI
Pakistan turned the tables in Adelaide. Haris Rauf’s explosive five-wicket haul and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s three wickets limited Australia to just 163 runs. Pakistan’s openers, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, delivered again. Their 137-run opening partnership allowed Pakistan to chase down the target comfortably in 26.3 overs. Ayub also recorded his maiden ODI half-century, giving Pakistan their first win of the series.
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A New Era Under Rizwan’s Captaincy
This historic series victory against Australia marks a promising start for Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. His leadership and calm demeanor have uplifted team morale, and this win has set a positive tone for Pakistan’s future in international cricket. The team’s resilience and fighting spirit in this series will be remembered as a turning point in their journey.
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