Pakistan won a ODI series in Australia for the first time since 2002

Pakistan has secured a historic series victory in Australia after 22 years, defeating the hosts in a three-match ODI series. The win came after an impressive display from captain Babar Azam, who hit a boundary in Perth to seal the series for Pakistan. Harris Rauf, who took 10 wickets in the series, was named the Player of the Series.

This is the first time since 2002 that Pakistan has won a bilateral series against Australia on Australian soil, marking a significant achievement for the team.

In the series-deciding final ODI at Perth, Australia, batting first, was bundled out for just 140 runs. Pakistan chased down the target in just 27 overs, securing a dominant 8-wicket victory. Despite losing the first ODI, Pakistan bounced back in the following two matches, with Mohammad Rizwan’s team showing their dominance and clinching the series.

Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, was quickly under pressure from Pakistan's pace attack. Australian opener Copper Conolly was forced to retire hurt, and the remaining nine wickets were taken by Pakistan's pacers. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah both claimed three wickets each, while Harris Rauf took 2 wickets in his 7 overs, conceding only 24 runs. Mohammad Hasnain also joined the wicket-taking party.

Six Australian batsmen were dismissed for single-digit scores, with the highest contribution coming from number eight batter Sean Abbott, who made 30 runs. Opener Matthew Short also managed 22 runs, but the rest of the batting order struggled.

Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 84 runs between Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique. However, Lance Morris struck back for Australia, dismissing both openers in a single over. In the first delivery of his over, he had Abdullah Shafique caught out for 37, and in the final ball of the over, he bowled Saim Ayub for 42, which included 4 fours and a six from 52 balls.

At 84/2, captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship, ensuring no further setbacks. Babar, with his signature calm and composed batting, guided the team home, hitting a match-winning boundary. Pakistan wrapped up the game in 43.2 overs, winning by 8 wickets, and with it, securing the series 2-1. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 28 off 30 balls, with 4 boundaries, including the match-winning shot. Mohammad Rizwan contributed an unbeaten 30 off 27 balls.

With this victory, Pakistan's historic series win in Australia brings an end to a long wait, reinforcing their growing dominance in international cricket.