It was an exciting and quite spectacular cricket dominance typical of Pakistan cricket when they outplayed the Australians in the third and final One Day International (ODI) match to win the series 2-1. Such a match was the game at Perth Stadium on Sunday, November 10, 2024, where Pakistani bowlers blow the Australian batsmen away to a frail total of 140, which was chased pretty fast.
In fact, Pakistan with a strong pace bowling attack spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf dominated the Australia’s weak side. Lahore’s Afridi bowled outstanding taking 3-32, Shah took 3-34, and Rauf took 2-24. Australian batsmen initially failed to cope with short-pitched stuff on a lively WACA wicket though later in the innings, Sean Abbott fought it out with a spirited 30 off 41.
Australia’s T20I skipper for the day, Josh Inglis, won the toss and chose to bat first, but this clearly turned out to be a bad move very soon. With regular players such as Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne out of the playing squad preparing for the Test series against India, the home team had a hard time getting going against Pakistan bowlers.
Australia’s innings was completely in contrast to the Pakistani chase. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique set the platform with a good 84-run partnership. Though both struggled early on, being dismissed in the second over by Lance Morris, already touted as a potential star, Rizwan and Babar Azam then led Pakistan to victory with a 58-run unbeaten partnership. Relishing through to victory, Babar Azam scored the winning run with a boundary off Adam Zampa in the 27th over and sealed the chase with 139 balls to spare.
This ODI series victory a definited milestone for the Pakistan team because it is the first time they beat Australia in Australia in ODI series last recorded in the year 2002. For a team that has experienced being beaten by Australia in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year, the triumph is lovely. Captain Mohammad Rizwan said, “This is special for me because they (the people) know our nation will be happy. That means they do not always receive what they desire from a team or group.
The series has highlighted Pakistan’s bowling might by now, with their fast bowlers ruling the roost right after Australia saw off a scary escape in Melbourne. This five-match ODI series is now level at 1-1 after Pakistan won the second game in Adelaide by nine wickets and are now set for this third and final match in Perth. They have been a revelation throughout Pakistan’s pace bowling, which has been consistent and potent.
Australia’s series loss also means it will need to ‘inject’ itself with a recall to make sure it has enough depth and preparation for the Test series against India, which will take place soon. The quality of the deficiency was depressing with principles, and the show of the reserve will surely be a worrying factor for selectors and direction. Australian opener Josh Inglis, who led the side for the first time in his hometown, said, “It’s disappointing.” We failed to get the much-needed runs on the board.”
This is a morale booster for the Pakistan cricket team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan early next year. More importantly, the outcomes indicate agility under pressure situations as well as in foreign environments, which works in favor of future engagements. Australia’s attention now turns to the Test series in which they will be facing India from November 22 at the WACA ground in Perth.
The series has given enthralling cricket and brought out the change in the landscape of international cricket. Pakistan victory in Australia also prove that now Pakistan is a great team of cricket and this match also teaches us that cricket match is very unpredictable. The loss and draw series has spurred the two sides as they prepare for the future meetings between them and the future realignments of the worldwide cricketing scene.