In a new low for Australian cricket, the national team not only lost an ODI series to Pakistan at home for the first time in 22 years but also recorded an unfortunate first by failing to register a single half-century throughout the bilateral series.
Pakistan sealed the series with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third ODI at Perth on Sunday, marking a historic defeat for the Aussies. Despite having their full squad, no Australian batter managed to score a half-century across the three-match series, a stark contrast to their usual dominance.
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammed Rizwan, had a dream start to his leadership reign, as the Pakistani pacers again made the Australian batsmen struggle. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf tormented the Australian lineup, contributing to Pakistan’s comprehensive victory. This defeat adds to the woes of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup champions, whose batting lineup struggled throughout the series.
The absence of key players such as Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who are focusing on Australia’s upcoming Test series against India, was evident. Additionally, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head were on paternity leave, further weakening the batting lineup. Steve Smith, who missed the final ODI, was the top scorer for Australia in the series, with 79 runs in two matches at an average of 39.50. Josh Inglis was the second-highest run-scorer, with 74 runs in three matches, including the team’s highest score of 49 in the series.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s top three run-scorers—Saim Ayub (125 runs), Abdullah Shafique (113 runs), and Babar Azam (80 runs)—demonstrated strong performances, with Ayub’s 82 being the highest score of the series.
Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1, bouncing back after a loss in the first ODI. Despite the close nature of the opening game, Pakistan dominated the final two matches.
In the decisive third ODI, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Australian batters once again struggled against the pace trio of Shaheen (3/32), Naseem Shah (3/54), and Rauf (2/24). Only Sean Abbott (30 in 41 balls) and Matthew Short (22 in 30 balls) made notable contributions as Australia was bowled out for a meager 140 in 31.5 overs.
In reply, Pakistan cruised to victory with an 84-run opening partnership between Ayub (42) and Shafique (37). Babar (28*) and Rizwan (30*) steered the team home with eight wickets remaining and nearly 23 overs to spare.
Lance Morris was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 2/24 in six overs. Rauf was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance and ‘Player of the Series’ for his impressive tally of 10 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
(Inputs from ANI)