Pakistan Achieves One-Day Series Victory Over Australia

Pakistan had previously experienced significant defeats in their last two one-day international series held in Australia, losing 5-0 in 2010 and 4-1 in 2017. The third One-Day International in Perth saw Australia dismissed for 140 runs in 31.5 overs, with Shaheen taking 3-32 and Naseem 3-54. Pakistan successfully chased the target, scoring 143-2 in 26.5 overs, notably with Ayub contributing 42 runs from 52 balls. Pakistan secured an eight-wicket win. Pakistan defeated Australia by eight wickets in Perth, marking their inaugural one-day series triumph in Australia in 22 years. At Optus Stadium, Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 3-32 and Naseem Shah took 3-54, contributing to the dismissal of an under-strength Australian side for just 140 runs. Pakistan comfortably reached their target with 23.1 overs remaining, propelled by Saim Ayub’s 42 runs, Abdullah Shafique’s 37, and an unbeaten 30 from Mohammad Rizwan. Australia had rested their Test players in preparation for a five-match series against India, scheduled to commence on November 22. Pace bowler Shaheen commented, “It was a great feeling for us as a country, as a nation – everyone is so excited.” After being asked to bat first, Australia struggled to recover from a collapse that saw them go from 20-0 to 88-6. During this period, Cooper Connolly retired hurt with a suspected broken hand after being hit by Mohammad Hasnain. Sean Abbott was the highest scorer for the host team with 30 runs, while six of their batters did not manage to reach double figures. Captain Josh Inglis stated, “Our whole batting line-up really didn’t get going at all throughout the series.” Pakistan’s opening batters, Ayub and Shafique, established an 84-run partnership for the first wicket before captain Rizwan and Babar Azam concluded the match, securing a 2-1 series victory. Australia had won the initial ODI by two wickets, while Pakistan claimed the second by nine wickets. Both teams are scheduled to commence a three-match T20 series on Thursday in Brisbane.