Pakistan over the moon after historic ODI series win in Australia

Pakistan are back on track following their shock Test series defeat to Bangladesh

By Reuters

Published: Sun 10 Nov 2024, 1:45 PM

Last updated: Sun 10 Nov 2024, 3:57 PM

Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was delighted after helping Pakistan earn a historic one-day series win over Australia on Sunday.

Pakistan thoroughly punished Australia for resting their top players in the series decider at Perth Stadium on Sunday, cruising to an eight-wicket win in the third and final game after a sublime display of seam bowling.

Securing their first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002, an unchanged Pakistan restricted the hosts to 140 from 31.5 overs before mowing down the total by scoring 143-2 in 26.5 overs.

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"It was a great feeling for us as a country, as a nation," said Afridi. "Everyone is so excited."

Haris Rauf, who was named player of the series for his 10 wickets in three matches, was euphoric.

"This means a lot to Pakistan, because we've been struggling a lot for the last few months," he says.

"We're playing for the fans who come to the ground every time to support us. We've been practising a lot the past few weeks, talking among the fast bowlers, communicating well, and it's paying off."

Underscoring the diminished standing of the 50-over format, 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 Nov. 22.

The tourists, who suffered a narrow loss in the opener before bouncing back with a nine-wicket thumping on Friday, won the toss and elected to field.

Shaheen and fellow quick Naseem Shah led the way, picking up three wickets apiece during a showcase of swing and pace, which accounted for Jake Fraser-McGurk (seven) and Aaron Hardie (12) in the first powerplay.

Josh Inglis, in his captaincy debut, departed for seven after skying Naseem to keeper Mohammad Rizwan in the 11th over, and opener Matt Short (22) soon followed, caught at square-leg attempting to pull pacer Rauf (2-24).

It went from bad to worse for the hosts when 21-year-old Cooper Connolly was forced to retire hurt on seven with a suspected fracture to his left hand after copping a nasty blow from seamer Mohammad Hasnain.

A jubilant Rauf then found the edge of Glenn Maxwell on zero, leaving Australia reeling at 79-5.

No spin was used as the Pakistan seamers maintained the pressure and mopped up the tail. Sean Abbott top-scored with 30.

In reply, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37), 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, leaving Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) to seal the result.

"It's a special moment from me and the fans. As a whole team we are happy," Rizwan said.

"I don't want to be captain just for the presentation or toss. I'm open to suggestions from everyone, the older players, the younger players and the backroom staff.

"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. The fans love us regardless of whether we win or lose and I really appreciate that."

Having beaten England in the Test series before their Australia tour, Pakistan are back on track following their shock Test series defeat at home to Bangladesh.

They will round out their tour Down Under with three Twenty20 internationals starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

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