Pakistan clinched their first one-day international (ODI) series win in Australia in over two decades, defeating the hosts by eight wickets at Perth Stadium on Sunday. The commanding victory, spearheaded by openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, concluded a series that saw Pakistan overcome significant challenges to make history.
After winning the toss, captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first, a decision that proved effective as Pakistan’s pace attack dismantled the understrength Australian lineup for a mere 140 runs in 31.3 overs. The formidable trio of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf led the charge, exploiting the conditions masterfully. Shaheen registered figures of 3-32, Naseem took 3-54, and Rauf added 2-24, showcasing Pakistan’s depth in fast bowling.
Australia, missing key players including Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, struggled to mount a competitive total. The top order failed to provide a solid foundation, with Jake Fraser-McGurk falling early for seven, caught behind off Naseem’s outswinger. Aaron Hardie, stepping in at number three, managed only 12 runs before being caught at slip off Afridi’s delivery.
Stand-in skipper Josh Inglis’s brief stint at the crease ended at seven when he skied a Shah bouncer, collected cleanly by Rizwan. Rauf’s relentless pressure saw Matt Short dismissed for 22, while young Cooper Connolly, playing just his second ODI, was forced to retire hurt on seven after a painful blow to his hand.
The middle and lower order crumbled under Pakistan’s sustained aggression. Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply to Rauf, his third dismissal by the pacer in the series, caught at point by Saim Ayub. Marcus Stoinis added only eight runs before departing as Australia staggered to 88-6 in the 21st over. A late 30-run partnership between Sean Abbott (30) and Adam Zampa (13) offered brief resistance before Pakistan cleaned up the tail.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was confident and calculated. Saim Ayub’s impressive 42 runs and Abdullah Shafique’s steady 37 laid the groundwork for victory. Pakistan reached the target in the 27th over, securing an eight-wicket win that sealed the series 2-1. This triumph marked Pakistan’s first ODI series win on Australian soil since 2002, underscoring their growth and resilience as a team.
The series began with a close-fought match in Melbourne, where Pakistan narrowly lost by two wickets, but they rebounded strongly in Adelaide with a nine-wicket win. This final victory in Perth solidified their dominance and etched their name in history.
Team Line-ups: Australia: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (capt), Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Lance Morris.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.
