PERTH: Pakistan secured a historic ODI series victory in Australia for the first time in 22 years, defeating the hosts by eight wickets in the third and final match at Perth Stadium on Sunday. With the win, Pakistan claimed the series 2-1, having bounced back after losing the first game.
Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan achieved the total in 26.5 overs, with Babar Azam finishing the chase in style by hitting a boundary off Adam Zampa.
The opening partnership between Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique laid a solid foundation for the run-chase, putting on 84 runs before Lance Morris broke the stand by dismissing both batters in the same over. Saim top-scored with 42 off 52 balls, including four boundaries and a six, while Abdullah made 37 from 53 balls, hitting one six and one four.
With 57 runs needed for victory, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan combined for an unbeaten 58-run partnership to seal the win. Rizwan scored 30 off 27 balls, with two sixes and one four, while Babar added 28 from 30 balls, including four boundaries.
Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan, in his first match as captain, won the toss and chose to field. His bowlers justified the decision with a disciplined performance. Naseem Shah struck early, removing Jake Fraser-McGurk for just seven runs in the fourth over.
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Matthew Short offered some resistance, scoring 20 from 30 balls, but his wicket fell shortly after, courtesy of Haris Rauf. Australia found themselves in trouble at 72-4 in the 14th over. Cooper Connolly (7) was retired hurt after being struck on the left hand by Mohammad Hasnain while attempting a pull shot.
Australia’s middle-order crumbled quickly, with Marcus Stoinis (8) and Glenn Maxwell (0) departing in quick succession, leaving the hosts at 88-6 in the 20th over.
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However, Sean Abbott countered with a valuable 30 off 41 balls, forming key partnerships of 30 and 22 runs with Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson. Abbott’s efforts helped push Australia’s total to 140, but Shaheen Afridi ended the innings by dismissing Abbott and Lance Morris in the same over. Connolly, unable to return to the crease, left Australia all out.
Shaheen and Naseem were the standout performers with the ball, each taking three wickets. Haris Rauf claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Hasnain picked up one.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Pakistan, who had not won an ODI series in Australia since 2002.