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

Pakistan completed a dominant eight-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final one-day international (ODI) at Perth Stadium on Sunday, sealing their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.

Australia, opting to rest their key players ahead of the upcoming five-test series against India, were bowled out for just 140 in 31.5 overs. Pakistan chased down the target with ease, reaching 143-2 in 26.5 overs to secure the series win 2-1.

Electing to bowl on a pitch with ample bounce and seam movement, Pakistan’s fast-bowling quartet dismantled Australia’s batting order with ease. The seamers capitalized on the spicy conditions, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah leading the charge, backed up by fiery spells from Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim. Australia’s top order collapsed early, with key players struggling to contend with Pakistan’s pace and accuracy.

Australia’s struggles against Pakistan’s pace attack continued in the final ODI of the series, with the hosts collapsing to just 140 all out, leaving them with little hope of a fightback. Naseem Shah was the first to strike, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk for just 7. Aaron Hardie, promoted to No.3, played a couple of promising shots but was undone by Shaheen Afridi’s pace. At 54/2, Australia seemed steady, but the wickets continued to tumble. Naseem’s tight spell resulted in Josh Inglis falling to a top edge, and Matthew Short was dismissed by Haris Rauf, leaving Australia reeling at 79/6.

Further setbacks followed, with Cooper Connolly being forced off the field due to an injury, and Glenn Maxwell failing once again, dismissed for a duck by Rauf. Marcus Stoinis’ scratchy knock of 8 further compounded the woes. While Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott managed to add a few runs late on, Shaheen Afridi wrapped up the innings by removing both in quick succession, leaving Australia well short of a competitive total.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub stepped up once again, providing a solid opening stand that set the foundation for a comfortable chase. The young openers navigated the modest target with maturity, choosing their shots carefully and punishing loose deliveries. An 84-run partnership between Shafique and Ayub nearly secured the game before Australia’s Lance Morris struck twice in a late bid to salvage pride. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both seasoned campaigners, remained calm, guiding Pakistan over the line with more than 23 overs to spare.

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