Pakistan Win Bilateral ODI Series in Australia After 22 Years; Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Saim Ayub Shine as Visitors Register Eight-Wicket Win Over Aussies to Claim Series 2-1
After strong bowling performances from pacers led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, batters ensured victory for Pakistan in the series decider. Saim Ayub scored 42 runs while captain Mohammad Rizwan added 30 runs to chase a moderate 141-run target.
The Pakistan national cricket team dominated the Australia national cricket team at the Optus stadium in Perth. It was a controlled performance by the visitors where the pacers literally took charge of the Australian inning also. Nassem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets each while Haris Rauf chipped in with two dismissals. Chaing the target, Pakistani batters never looked troubled by the Australian attack. Saim Ayub missed a half-century by four runs while captain Mohammad Rizwan stayed till the end to ensure a win for his side. This is Pakistan's first series win after 22 years in Australia. ‘Replace India With Sri Lanka in ICC Champions Trophy 2025’ Pakistan Cricket Team Fans Suggest PCB Not To Opt For Hybrid Model If Indian Team Doesn’t Travel To Pakistan.
Australian Batters Dancing on Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah’s ‘Beat’
Haris Rauf took the spotlight with his five-wicket haul in the second ODI. Australia were limited to 163 runs in the second match and Pakistan had no issues chasing the target. In the Australia vs Pakistan 3rd ODI though Pakistan pacers took control right from the start. Naseem Shah provided the breakthrough and Shaheen Shah also joined the ‘party’.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah Controlling
Mixing pace, bounce, and swing Pakistan pacers gave little way to play any big shots. Australian batting line-up hit just 11 boundaries in the inning highlighting the controlled bowling attack from the Pakistani pacers. With wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan kept the pressure on Australia’s batting. A 30-run partnership for the seventh wicket was the highest for the hosts showing Naseem and Shaeen’s effect on the pitch. Mohammad Rizwan Grabs Six Catches In An Inning During AUS vs PAK 2nd ODI 2024, Draws Level With Sarfaraz Ahmed In Incredible Feat.
Australian Pacers though couldn’t replicate their counterparts and failed to take wickets. Lance Morris took two wickets in one over, but it was too little too late for the hosts as Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam ensured victory for Pakistan. Haris Rauf was named player of the series and player of the match.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2024 02:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).