TLDR:
• Pakistan wins historic ODI series
• Pakistan dominates Australian batting
• First ODI series win in Australia in years
PERTH (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan clinched a historic ODI series victory against Australia in Perth, marking a significant milestone in their cricket journey. This win not only highlights Pakistan’s resurgence in international cricket but also underscores their growing prowess on Australian soil, a place traditionally challenging for visiting teams. Pakistan’s bowling attack dismantled the Australian batting line-up, restricting them to a modest score and setting the stage for a memorable victory.
How Pakistan’s bowlers set the stage
The third ODI match in Perth showcased the disciplined and strategic approach of Pakistan’s bowling line-up. Known for its aggressive style, Pakistan’s bowling unit aimed to unsettle Australia’s batting line-up from the start. From the very first overs, pace bowlers utilised the pitch conditions to generate swing and bounce, challenging the Australian top order. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi were particularly instrumental, each claiming crucial early wickets. Their relentless pace, coupled with controlled deliveries, forced Australian batsmen into defensive positions, reducing their scoring opportunities. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain further capitalised on this early pressure, targeting the middle order and consolidating Pakistan’s control over the innings.
Australian batsmen struggled to find stability, losing wickets at regular intervals. By the end of the innings, Australia was bowled out for a meagre total, unable to reach even halfway through their overs. The outcome of Pakistan’s bowling dominance not only limited Australia’s score but also set an achievable target for Pakistan’s batsmen, easing the pressure for the chase.
The chase: Pakistan’s calculated approach
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan adopted a balanced approach in their innings. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub began with a measured tempo, focusing on building a strong foundation rather than taking unnecessary risks. Their partnership demonstrated a maturity and understanding of the game’s dynamics, enabling them to counter Australia’s bowling attack effectively.
With each boundary, Shafique and Ayub solidified Pakistan’s position, advancing the score steadily while minimising the risk of quick dismissals. Their partnership set a strong foundation, accumulating vital runs and providing confidence to the incoming batsmen. Even after their dismissals, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam maintained composure, ensuring Pakistan’s momentum continued without disruption. The calculated approach by Pakistan’s top order reflected a strategic mindset, acknowledging the importance of steady progress over aggressive plays in a low-target scenario.
A historical win on Australian soil
This victory holds particular significance for Pakistan, as it marks their first ODI series win in Australia in over two decades. Historically, Australian pitches have posed challenges for subcontinental teams, with unfamiliar conditions often disrupting their playing style. For Pakistan, this achievement is a testament to their adaptability and resilience, qualities essential for succeeding in foreign environments. The win is not just a standalone triumph but part of Pakistan’s broader journey towards establishing itself as a formidable team in global cricket.
