Pakistan defeat Australia to secure first ODI series win Down Under since 2002

Pakistan sealed their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002 with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final one-day international (ODI) at the Perth Stadium on Sunday. The upcoming five-Test series against India was bowled out for just 140 in 31.5 overs. Pakistan chased down the target with ease and reached 143-2 in 26.5 overs, ensuring they won the series 2-1.

Pakistan’s fast bowling quartet disrupted Australia’s batting order with ease, choosing to bowl on a pitch with plenty of bounce and seam movement. The Mariners took advantage of the spicy conditions under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, supported by fiery spells from Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim. Australia’s order collapsed early on, with key players struggling to cope with Pakistan’s pace and accuracy.

Australia’s struggle against Pakistan’s pace attack continued in the final ODI of the series, with the home side slumped to a total of 140, leaving little hope of a fight against them. Naseem Shah was the first to strike and dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk for just 7. Aaron Hardie, who moved up to No. 3, played a few promising shots but failed due to Shaheen Afridi’s pace. At 54/2 Australia looked steady but wickets continued to fall. Naseem’s tight spell saw Josh Inglis relegated to the top spot and Matthew Short was dismissed by Haris Rauf as Australia faltered at 79/6.

Australia v Pakistan, 3rd ODI: Highlights

Further setbacks followed, with Cooper Connolly sidelined through injury and Glenn Maxwell once again failing and being dismissed for a duck by Rauf. Marcus Stoinis’ sizzling knock of 8 added to the troubles. While Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott managed to add a few runs late on, Shaheen Afridi removed both in quick succession to wrap up the innings and leave Australia well short of a competitive total.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub once again stepped up and provided a solid opening stand that laid the foundation for a comfortable chase. The young openers navigated the modest target with maturity, choosing their shots carefully and punishing loose deliveries. The 84-run partnership between Shafique and Ayub almost secured the game before Australia’s Lance Morris hit two in a late attempt to salvage his pride. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both experienced campaigners, remained composed and guided Pakistan with 23-plus overs to spare.

Pakistan great Wasim Akram praised the team and described the series win as “even better than our victory in 2002”, acknowledging the improvements in Pakistan’s fast bowling line-up and the resilience of the team. Pakistan will complete their tour of Australia after playing three T20 internationals, starting in Brisbane on Thursday.