By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Pakistan’s cricket team has triumphed over Australia on their home turf for the first time in 22 years, securing a remarkable series win in the ODI format. Haris Rauf, who was named both Man of the Match and Man of the Series, played a pivotal role in this victory, taking 2 wickets in the final match, bringing his series tally to 10 wickets. His explosive pace bowling, alongside the formidable efforts of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, completely dismantled Australia’s batting line-up, as they were bowled out for just 140 runs in 31.5 overs. This overwhelming win came on the back of a superb performance from Pakistan’s pace attack, which left the Australian batsmen struggling throughout.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Rauf, put on a clinical display of pace and precision. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi were instrumental, each picking up three wickets. Rauf’s devastating spell and Mohammad Hasnain’s contribution, with a single wicket, ensured that Australia never gained any momentum. Australia’s batting lineup, already under pressure, was further crippled by a series of failures. The top order faltered as the opening pair of Jack Fraser McGurk and Matthew Short were dismissed cheaply, while the middle order collapsed under the sustained pressure. The Australian captain, Josh Ingles, along with Aaron Hardy, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa, all failed to make significant contributions, leaving Sean Abbott, the only batsman to reach 30, as a lone fighter.
The absence of some of Australia’s key players, who were rested ahead of the upcoming Test series against India, including captain Pat Cummins and star players like Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, only added to the team’s struggles. On the batting front, Pakistan’s openers gave a solid foundation, with an opening partnership of 84 runs. Saim Ayub, following his half-century in the previous match, scored 42 runs, while Abdullah Shafiq contributed with 37 runs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 30 runs, while the ever-reliable Babar Azam added 28 runs to the total. Despite Australia’s Linus Morris taking both their wickets, the target was never in doubt, with Pakistan chasing down the modest total with ease. Australia made several changes to their side for this decisive match, bringing in five new players, including Cooper Connolly and Linus Morris, while Pakistan retained the winning side from the previous match.
The Australian team, facing injuries and missing some of their stalwarts, was always on the back foot in this crucial encounter. The win is significant not only for the dominance shown by Pakistan’s fast bowlers but also for the team’s resilience after losing the first ODI. The series was leveled 1-1 after Pakistan’s remarkable 9-wicket victory in the second match, setting the stage for this commanding finish. With this victory, Pakistan not only clinched the series but also demonstrated that their fast-bowling attack, led by the likes of Rauf, Shah, and Afridi, is capable of competing at the highest level, even in hostile conditions. This historic win, 22 years in the making, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the country’s greatest cricketing achievements.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
