Perth: Pakistan made a remarkable start under new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, securing their first ODI series victory in Australia in 22 years.
After losing the opening match, Pakistan bounced back to win the next two, clinching the series 2-1.
This victory came as a significant morale booster for Pakistan, following a challenging year in white-ball cricket marked by underwhelming performances at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and the Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
With the series level, both teams headed to Perth in search of a decisive win. Pakistan won the toss and put Australia in to bat, who were bereft of their Test stars and were forced to make five changes to their playing XI.
The young Australian team led by Josh Inglis struggled against Pakistan's seasoned pace attack. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah took three wickets each, while the in-form Haris Rauf claimed
two, limiting Australia to 140, an ICC report said.
Only five Australia batters reached double digits, with Sean Abbott's 30, the highest for the hosts on the day, saving them the blushes.
Chasing 141, Abdullah Shafique (37) and Saim Ayub (42) set the stage with a solid 84-run opening partnership before Lance Morris dismissed them in the same over. Babar Azam (28 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (30 not out) ensured there were no more hiccups and guided Pakistan to victory in 26.5 overs.
In the first ODI at Melbourne, Pakistan were put under pressure by the Australian pacers and restricted to a total of 203 in their first innings, with new captain Rizwan top-scoring with 44 off 71 balls. Mitchell Starc removed the openers early and Australian captain Pat Cummins added to the damage by claiming two wickets.
Despite a middle-order collapse that put Australia under pressure in the second innings, Cummins played a crucial knock of 32 off 31 deliveries to guide Australia to victory.
In the second ODI in Adelaide, Pakistan's pacers turned the tide, restricting Australia to a modest total of 163. Haris Rauf claimed his second ODI five-wicket haul while Shaheen Shah Afridi took
three wickets.
Pakistan chased down the target in just 26.3 overs, thanks to a 137-run opening partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, with the latter scoring his maiden ODI half-century.
Brief Score:
Australia: 140 (31.5)
Pakistan: 143/2 (26.5)
