Pakistan Wins Historic ODI Series in Australia After 22 Years.

Pakistan has made history by winning their first-ever ODI series in Australia in 22 years. On November 10, 2024, Pakistan beat Australia by 8 wickets in the third and final ODI at Optus Stadium, taking the series 2-1. This victory is a huge achievement for Pakistan, as they have struggled in Australia for a long time.

A Strong Comeback

After losing the first ODI in Melbourne, Pakistan bounced back with a strong win in Adelaide. In the final ODI, they played brilliantly to win the series. This victory is especially important because Pakistan faced many challenges before the tour, including the sudden resignation of their head coach just before the series started.

Pakistan’s Brilliant Bowling

In the third ODI, Pakistan’s bowlers were in top form. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf took control of the match, bowling Australia out for just 140 runs in 31.5 overs. Afridi and Naseem took 3 wickets each, while Rauf added 2 wickets. Australia’s batsmen couldn’t handle the pressure from Pakistan’s pace attack. Only Sean Abbott managed to score 30 runs, but it wasn’t enough to save Australia from a big loss.

Easy Chase for Pakistan

Pakistan needed just 141 runs to win. Despite losing two early wickets, the chase was never in doubt. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique gave Pakistan a good start. Even after they got out, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam finished the chase easily. Pakistan reached the target in just 27 overs, winning by 8 wickets.

Key Performances

• Shaheen Afridi: Afridi took 3 wickets in the final match and played a big role in Australia’s downfall.
• Naseem Shah: Naseem also took 3 wickets and kept up the pressure on the Australian batsmen.
• Haris Rauf: Rauf was excellent, taking 2 wickets for just 24 runs and making a big impact in the match.
• Saim Ayub & Abdullah Shafique: Ayub made 42 runs, and Shafique scored 37, giving Pakistan a strong start.
• Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam: Rizwan and Babar played calm innings to finish the chase comfortably.

Australia’s Struggles

Australia, missing several key players, had a tough time in the series. With Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne all out, their batting struggled. No Australian player scored a half-century in the series. In the final ODI, Australia was bowled out for just 140 runs, and Pakistan easily chased down the target.

Why This Win Is Important

This win is a huge achievement for Pakistan. It’s the first time they have won an ODI series in Australia since 2002. The fast bowlers—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—were the stars of the series, and their excellent performances were key to Pakistan’s success. This victory will give the team a lot of confidence for future matches.

What’s Next for Pakistan and Australia?

For Pakistan, this win is a big step forward. It shows they can compete at the highest level, even in tough conditions like Australia. This victory will boost their confidence for upcoming series and tournaments.

For Australia, this loss is a wake-up call. Without their key players, they struggled against Pakistan. They will need to improve before their next big challenges, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the Test series against India.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s 2-1 win in the ODI series against Australia is a historic achievement. Their fast bowlers were the stars, and their overall performance showed just how much they have improved. This victory ends a 22-year wait and sets the stage for more success in the future. Pakistan is now a team to watch out for in world cricket!