Pakistan defeated Australia in the third and final ODI on Sunday to win the three-match series, their first on Australian territory in 22 years and their last 50-over series win since 2002.
The Men in Green won the series decider by eight wickets in 26.5 overs, chasing Australia’s modest 141-run mark. Pakistan’s unchanged team held Australia to 140 in 31.5 overs before scoring 143-2 to win their first ODI series in Australia in over a decade.
As preparations for a blockbuster five-test series against India began November 22, Australia rested its red-ball stars for the decider, highlighting the 50-over format’s declining status. Pakistani fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah took three wickets each in the opening powerplay, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk (7) and Aaron Hardie (12).
After skying Naseem to keeper Mohammad Rizwan in the 11th over, skipper Josh Inglis fell for seven, and opener Matt Short (22) was caught at square-leg trying to pull in-form fast Haris Rauf (2-24). A joyous Rauf hit Glenn Maxwell on zero, sending Australia reeling at 79-5.
Pakistan seamers kept pressure and mopped up the tail without spin. Sean Abbott led with 30. Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37), fresh off half-centuries, opened the innings with ease and controlled aggressiveness for 84 runs.
Rizwan (30*) and Babar Azam (28*) sealed the result as local speedster Lance Morris (2-24) sent both set batsmen packing in the 18th over to delight the Perth crowd. Rizwan, speaking on the historic win in his debut series as captain, said: “This is a really important moment for me.”
“It is hard to beat Australia in Australia,” said the skipper.
Rizwan praised the team’s fast bowlers and openers Saim and Abdullah for their strong starts in the second and third ODIs. Australian captain Inglis bemoaned the series’ poor performance.
In addition to winning the Player of the Match title for his three wickets today, Rauf was named Player of the Series for dismissing 10 Australian batters.
“Before the series, the bowlers had made a plan which they followed,” he remarked.
With 125 runs, Saim was the top run-scorer. The left-handed hitter scored 82 and 42 runs in the second and third ODIs.
