Pakistan clinch ODI series against Australia on their home turf after 22 years

PERTH: In a thrilling finish, Pakistan secured a historic ODI series victory over Australia on their home ground for the first time in 22 years.

The final match, played in Perth, saw Pakistan’s bowlers put on a masterclass, bowling out the hosts for 140 runs in just 31.5 overs, with one Australian batter unable to return to the crease due to injury.

Set a modest target of 141, Pakistan chased it down in the 26th over. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam stayed unbeaten, sealing the win. Opener Abdullah Shafique scored 37, while Saim Ayub, adding a strong 42, fell to Lance Morris.

For Australia, Sean Abbott was the top scorer with 30 runs, while Jack Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short managed only 7 and 22 runs, respectively. Captain Josh Inglis scored a mere 7, Aaron Hardie chipped in 12, and Cooper Connolly retired hurt after a delivery from Mohammad Hasnain struck his hand.

Also read: Pakistan’s bowlers shine, reducing Australia to 118/7 in series finale

Continuing his impressive form, Haris Rauf dismissed Glenn Maxwell for zero—the all-rounder’s third straight failure against Rauf in this series. Marcus Stoinis added just 8, while Adam Zampa made 13. Pakistan’s pace attack was formidable, with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi taking three wickets each, Rauf claiming two, and Hasnain grabbing one.

Pakistan opted to bowl first after winning the toss in this decider. Captain Rizwan noted that the pitch seemed consistent and expressed confidence in his squad, which remained unchanged from the previous match. Australia, however, made five changes to their lineup.

Both teams had won one match each in the series, with Australia narrowly clinching the first ODI by two wickets and Pakistan dominating the second, thanks to their exceptional bowling performance. With this decisive victory, Pakistan now celebrates a series win in Australia—a feat last achieved in 2002.