NEW DELHI: Pakistan defeated Australia to clinch the ODI series 2-1 on Sunday, becoming the first Asian team to win an ODI series against the Aussies at home twice.
Their emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third and final ODI at Perth Stadium secured the series win with over 23 overs to spare, making it Pakistan’s first ODI series triumph on Australian soil since 2002.
This milestone victory also marked a winning start for Mohammad Rizwan as captain in his debut series as the leader.
Pakistan’s pace attack was the standout feature of the series, and it continued to dominate in the decider.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s pacers ripped through Australia’s batting lineup.
The hosts lost half their side for just 79 runs, and despite a brief recovery, they were eventually bowled out for a paltry 140 with more than 18 overs remaining.
Pakistani star bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were the main architects of Australia’s collapse, taking three wickets each, while Haris Rauf also chipped in with 2-24.
Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) provided a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership.
Australia struck back, with Lance Morris removing both openers in the same over, but Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) guided Pakistan to victory in just 26.5 overs.
Pakistan’s clinical performance with both bat and ball secured a memorable win, as the team celebrated a historic achievement on Australian soil.
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