Pakistan Secures Historic ODI Series Win in Australia After 22 Years
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 11, 2024
- 12:03 pm
- 26
- Sports
A Series for the History Books
Pakistan's first ODI series win in Australia since 2002 is now part of cricket history. A 2-1 victory over the hosts showcased a determined Pakistan squad ready to overcome any odds. From coaching changes to a lack of 50-over match prep, Pakistan faced its fair share of hurdles. Yet, these setbacks seemed only to fuel their drive, making this comeback one for the record books.
Bouncing Back from Defeat
The series didn’t start in Pakistan’s favor as they faced a heartbreaking defeat in MCG. But they bounced back with stellar and almost flawless performances in their next two games. They controlled the matches, sending a clear message—they were here to win. Pakistani pacers completely overwhelmed the World Champions. With an emphatic 9-wicket victory in Adelaide and an 8-wicket victory in Perth, the Pakistani pacers came out on top.
This win meant all the more to Pakistan since their white-ball coach, Gary Kristen, resigned just a week before the series. With interim coach Jason Gillespie stepping up, the expectations for a result in Pakistan’s favor were close to none. Despite all the odds, the Pakistani side emerged on top, marking a 22-year drought of a series win on Australian soil.
The Power of Pakistan’s Pace Attack
Pakistan’s pace attack was relentless, led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf. They collectively restricted Australia to just 140 runs in the final ODI, with Rauf delivering a particularly standout performance. The trio’s speed, precision, and consistent pressure left Australia struggling to find runs. In every over, Pakistan’s bowlers looked formidable, making it evident that their pace attack could rattle any team on any pitch.
Rauf’s impact was unmistakable as he tore through Australia’s batting lineup, receiving support from Afridi and Shah, who each played their roles seamlessly. The final match underscored the strength of Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit, which has become a core asset for the team.
Captaincy Brilliance from Rizwan
Much of Pakistan’s success can be credited to Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership. Rizwan’s decision to bowl first set a proactive tone that paid off in Pakistan’s favor. He took calculated risks, managed his bowlers wisely, and made strategic adjustments on the field, demonstrating the qualities of a confident captain.
Pakistan leaned into their strengths, favoring a pace-heavy approach. Rizwan’s proactive captaincy set the tone. Alongside interim coach Jason Gillespie, he built a strategy that played to their fast bowlers’ strengths, ensuring that their pace and accuracy kept Australian batters in check. Rizwan said after the series, “We believed our bowlers could lead us to victory, and they delivered.”
Ayub and Shafique Anchor the Chase
With a modest target of 140 runs, Pakistan’s top order kept the chase controlled. Young guns Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were crucial here. Ayub’s aggressive starts set the tone for Pakistan’s innings, while Shafique anchored the middle order. Together, they set the tone for a comfortable chase.
Ayub, in particular, displayed a promising performance. His ability to handle pressure situations bodes well for Pakistan’s batting lineup, which could benefit the team in future series.
Australia’s Struggles
For Australia, the series was a lesson in the value of full-strength teams. With key players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc unavailable for the final ODI, Australia faced challenges it couldn’t overcome. The lack of seasoned players made their lineup more vulnerable, which Pakistan capitalized on quickly.
Pakistan’s pace attack exploited every weakness in Australia’s batting order, especially as no Australian batter reached a half-century across the three games. Erratic shot selections and defensive play only compounded their struggles, leaving gaps for Pakistan to exploit. Australia's lineup found itself repeatedly exposed, especially in high-stakes moments.
Memorable Moments and Fan Celebrations
After the series win, Pakistan’s players celebrated with unrestrained joy. Rizwan and Babar Azam shared an emotional embrace that captured the significance of the moment. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. This series showed that Pakistan can hold its own in any condition and against any team. Rizwan’s words summed it up perfectly: “We knew we could make history here, and we did.”
The win sparked celebrations beyond the stadium, as Pakistani fans worldwide took to social media to share their pride. Such moments reinforce the bond between the team and its supporters, who have backed them through ups and downs.
A New Era in Pakistani Cricket?
This series could mark the beginning of something significant for Pakistan. The team has shown that it can face challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and take control even on foreign soil. Rizwan’s leadership style, along with a younger roster, may signal a promising direction for Pakistan’s ODI ambitions.
This win in Australia could be a major momentum booster for Pakistan, especially with the Champions Trophy set to be hosted in Pakistan in 2025. It’s a reminder that Pakistan’s bowling attack is among the most formidable in world cricket and that the team has the resilience and talent to compete at the highest level.
