Perth, November 10, 2024 – The Europe Today: Pakistan outclassed Australia in the third and final ODI, clinching a landmark series victory—their first on Australian soil in 22 years. The Green Shirts, with an unchanged lineup, showcased their dominance by restricting the hosts to 140 runs in 31.5 overs before confidently chasing down the target with a score of 143-2 in 26.5 overs.
This victory marks a momentous milestone for Pakistan, who had not won an ODI series in Australia since 2002. Notably, Australia chose to rest several red-ball players ahead of their upcoming five-test series against India, emphasizing the shift in the priorities around the 50-over format.
The match highlighted Pakistan’s fast-bowling prowess, as pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah picked up three wickets each, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup early. Naseem Shah’s pace accounted for captain Josh Inglis, caught by Mohammad Rizwan for just seven. Haris Rauf, in exceptional form, claimed 2-24, including a critical dismissal of Glenn Maxwell for a duck, leaving Australia struggling at 79-5. Despite a brief resistance led by Sean Abbott, who top-scored with 30, Australia could not regain momentum.
Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37), built a solid 84-run partnership, playing with composure and controlled aggression. Although Lance Morris (2-24) dismissed both in quick succession, Mohammad Rizwan (30*) and skipper Babar Azam (28*) ensured a comfortable win, securing Pakistan’s place in history.
Reflecting on the achievement, Rizwan, leading the team for the first time as skipper, called it “a very special moment” and praised the fast bowlers and openers for their stellar performances. Rauf, awarded both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for taking 10 wickets across the three matches, highlighted the bowlers’ successful game plans. Saim Ayub emerged as the series’ top run-scorer with 125 runs.
Australian captain Josh Inglis acknowledged the disappointment, crediting Pakistan for their comprehensive series victory and lamenting his team’s batting failures in the last two ODIs.
