PERTH, AUSTRALIA:
Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 following a sublime display of seam bowling, as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory in the third and final match on Sunday, the visitors’ first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years.
Pakistan thoroughly punished Australia for resting their top players – Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc – in the series decider at Perth. Pakistan had lost a tense opening match by two wickets, but bounced back with a nine-wicket victory in the second ODI.
After bowling out the woeful world champions for a miserly 140, Mohammad Rizwan’s team reached the target in the 27th over. The impressive performance, aided by high-quality bowling from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, ensured a first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.
“It’s a special moment for me and the fans,” said captain Rizwan. “I’ll give all the credit to the bowlers. Australia in Australia is not easy. “But Saim and Abdullah have given us a couple of great starts, too,” he added. “The fans love us regardless of whether we win or lose and I really appreciate that.”
Shafique and Ayub began aggressively and rode their luck, with little spark from the bowlers. Ayub, who smashed 82 in Adelaide, survived two dropped catches, by Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson, as he swung the bat.
Shafique was also put down on 28, by Adam Zampa, as they reached the halfway point in the chase without loss in the 14th over. Australia finally got a reward when Morris caught and bowled Shafique and then bowled Ayub five balls later. But Rizwan (30) and Babar Azam (28) kept calm to steer them home.
Rizwan won the toss and sent in Australia, who were no match for Afridi (3-32), Shah (3-54) and Rauf (2-24). Sean Abbott top-scored with 30 before they were bundled out in the 32nd over. “It’s pretty disappointing, to be honest,” said skipper Josh Inglis. “Not enough runs on the board.”
Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short again opened, desperate for runs after failing to make an impact at Melbourne and Adelaide. But on a pitch suited to the quick bowlers Fraser-McGurk once more flopped, nicking a swinging Shah delivery to wicketkeeper Rizwan on seven.
Aaron Hardie, at three in place of Smith, lasted 13 balls for his 12 before being caught at slip off the dangerous Afridi. That brought Inglis to the crease, but he too departed cheaply for seven, skying a Shah bouncer that Rizwan collected to leave Australia on 56-3 in the 11th over.
Rauf then accounted for Short (22) before youngster Cooper Connolly, in only his second ODI, was forced to retire hurt on seven after a blow to his hand. Out-of-form Glenn Maxwell only survived two balls with Rauf bagging him for the third time this series, caught at point by Ayub.
Marcus Stoinis added just eight to the score as Australia stumbled to 88-6. Abbott and Adam Zampa (13) shared a handy 30-run partnership before the tail was mopped up. No spin was used as the Pakistan seamers maintained their pressure till the end.
Fast bowler Shaheen and fellow quick Naseem Shah picked up three wickets apiece during a showcase of swing and pace. “It was a great feeling for us as a country, as a nation,” said Shaheen Afridi. “Everyone is so excited.”
In reply, Ayub and Shafique, fresh off half-centuries, played with fluency and controlled aggression during an 84-run opening stand. Local speedster Lance Morris (2-24) sent both set batsmen packing in the 18th over to give the crowd of 19,781 something to cheer about.
Australia chose to rest their red-ball players for the decider as preparations ramp up for a blockbuster five-Test series against India beginning on November 22. Pakistan round out their tour Down Under with three Twenty20 internationals starting in Brisbane on Thursday.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the Pakistan cricket Team on winning the ODI series after a gap of 22 years. The President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release that Zardari said that the team performed well for which they deserved accolades.
The prime minister termed the victory “the happiest occasion for the nation”. The Prime Minister Office Media Wing said in a press release that Shehbaz praised the Pakistani bowlers and the batters, who displayed excellent performance. He also praised the team and the management’s hard work.
Separately, on his X account, the prime minister posted, “Big Day for Pakistani Cricket! Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team on their historic ODI series victory against Australia. After 22 years, Pakistan has defeated Australia on their home ground, and that too, in a convincing manner.”
He further posted that this victory was the result of unity and teamwork of their brilliant players; as well as efforts of coaching staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “May this be the start of a great and glorious period for Pakistani cricket Team”, he added.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also felicitated the team, saying that defeating the World Champions Australia in Australia was a feat that had brought immense pride to the nation. “The entire nation’s pride has been lifted by the outstanding performances of our players,” said the PCB chairman.
Naqvi said that Pakistan outclassed Australia in all departments – batting, bowling, and fielding. “This victory belongs to every player and member of the management, who contributed to this team effort,” he said. “Today’s triumph has spread joy across the entire nation,” he added.
“Our team’s determination, effort, and unwavering commitment have brought about this success. I firmly believe that with such spirit, hard work, and dedication, our team will continue to achieve great things.” He acknowledges the invaluable role played by the entire management team in this victory.
