Pakistan dismiss hosts for 140 and chase the target in 27 overs to win their first ODI series in Australia since 2002.
Pakistan have emerged victorious over Australia with a 2-1 win in their one-day international (ODI) cricket series. Their fast bowlers showcased an exceptional display of pace and seam bowling to dismiss Australia for 140 in the third match held at Perth. Pakistan’s batters then successfully chased the target with eight wickets to spare.
The decision to rest their top players backfired on the hosts in the series decider on Sunday. In the chase, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and former captain Babar Azam secured the win in the 27th over, marking Pakistan’s first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002.
Australia opted to rest their red-ball players for the deciding match, as they gear up for a Test series against India starting November 22.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to field, with fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah leading the attack by picking up three wickets each. Their display of swing and pace accounted for key Australian players, including Jake Fraser-McGurk and Aaron Hardie in the powerplay.
The hosts continued to falter as Josh Inglis, in his debut as captain, was dismissed for seven runs by Naseem. Opener Matt Short also fell for 22, caught attempting a pull shot off Haris Rauf.
The situation worsened for Australia when a blow from Mohammad Hasnain forced Cooper Connolly to retire hurt on seven. Glenn Maxwell’s early dismissal further compounded Australia’s woes.
The Pakistani seamers maintained pressure on the hosts, not requiring the use of spin to wrap up Australia’s innings. Sean Abbott was the top-scorer with 30 runs.
In response, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique provided a solid start with an 84-run opening partnership before being dismissed by local speedster Lance Morris. Rizwan and Babar Azam then guided Pakistan to victory.
Pakistan will now conclude their tour with three Twenty20 internationals starting in Brisbane on Thursday.
