Pakistan showcased a striking performance in both bowling and batting, resulting in a noteworthy win in their recent ODI series against Australia. This series sets a new landmark for Pakistan. It’s the first time since 2002 that they came out on top of a bilateral ODI series on Australian grounds. High-calibre plays by team members, including Haris Rauf, solidified Pakistan’s triumphant and significant victory. Let’s delve into the narrative that plays out in this exceptional series.
Dominant Bowling Leads Pakistan to Victory
Pakistan’s bowlers started the series with a bang. They held Australia to just 140 runs in the final game. That’s one of Australia’s lowest against Pakistan in ODI history. A key factor? Pakistan’s pace quartet. This includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf. Haris Rauf matched a previous record with his haul of 10 wickets in the series. This places him among top bowlers in bilateral ODI series against Australia.
Pakistan ended the match meeting their target quickly. They only lost two wickets and won with 139 balls left. This strong performance didn’t just win the series. It showed Pakistan’s overpowering strength against Australia.
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A Strong Opening Partnership in the Final Game
In the last one-day game, Pakistan’s front men – Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique – got off to a sturdy start, making 84 runs together. Australia’s Lance Morris put a speed bump on their race by dismissing them. Despite this, their stable opening act put Pakistan at ease on their road to success.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stepped up next and led team Pakistan over the final mark with no more wickets falling. Their impressive start wasn’t just good, it was crucial for Pakistan. It kept Australia from even thinking about a comeback and shined a spotlight on the regular, top-notch performance of Pakistan’s batters throughout the series.
The Road to the bilateral ODI Series Win: Game-by-Game Overview
The three-match series showcased Pakistan’s bowling might and regularity.
First ODI (Melbourne):
Pakistan’s bowlers nearly clinched the game after setting 203 runs, despite a rocky start. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi put Australia under pressure, despite losing the game with a close call of two wickets.
Second ODI (Adelaide):
The series got even when Pakistan celebrated victory, taking away all of Australia’s wickets for just 163. Rauf stole the show with a solid 5-29, Afridi added another 3-26. Pakistan chased the score fast, losing one wicket only, finishing the match within 27 overs.
Third ODI (Sydney):
Pakistan’s bowlers, yet again, outperformed in this decider match, limiting Australia to 140. Winning this was no trouble, and Pakistan locked the series at 2-1. This win marks the end of a long 22-year wait for a bilateral ODI series victory ‘down under’ by Pakistan.
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Haris Rauf’s Record-Equalling Achievement
Haris Rauf really shone in the series. He grabbed 10 wickets, tying the record for taking the highest wickets in a three-match ODI series against Australia. Now, he’s counted among greats, like Saeed Ajmal and Trent Boult. Rauf took his 10 wickets for just 12 runs each, helping Pakistan achieve a great series win. He was persistent, precise, and had great control, playing a main role in stopping Australia’s batsmen and boosting Pakistan’s bowling power.
Rauf, along with hefty contributions from Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain, made it possible for Pakistan to keep a strong bowling presence in the series. Impressively, they mainly counted on these four bowlers, with others only bowling three overs in all matches.
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A Historic Achievement for Pakistan
Kudos to Pakistan on their recent win in the ODI series! This is a huge step since it’s their first victory on Australian soil since 2002. The triumph showcases Pakistan’s bowlers in action. They’ve shown grit in conditions that usually give Australia an edge. It’s more than just a win. It’s a confidence builder for the team and supporters as they set their eyes on the prizes ahead.
Conclusion
Victory for Pakistan in the recent ODI series against Australia illustrates the team’s development and tenacity. Standout players like Haris Rauf demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to shine in tough situations. This win breaks a twenty-year dry spell and kickstarts a promising period for Pakistan’s forthcoming global matches.
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