In a thrilling and historic win, Pakistan defeated Australia by 8 wickets in the third ODI held at Perth Stadium on November 10, 2024. This victory not only secured a 2-1 series win for Pakistan but also marked their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002. The performance demonstrated Pakistan's formidable bowling and top-order consistency, setting a new benchmark in their recent tour of Australia.

The Match Overview: Australia vs Pakistan, Third ODI

In the deciding game of the series, Pakistan's bowlers dominated Australia, restricting them to a total of 140 runs in just 31.5 overs. Haris Rauf, who shined throughout the series, was exceptional with the ball, dismantling Australia's lineup and earning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors. With the ball swinging and pace dictating the game, the Pakistani bowling attack made swift work of Australia's batting lineup.

Pakistan's chase was led confidently by openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique. The duo added 79 runs before Ayub was dismissed at 42. The remaining runs were chased down comfortably by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who struck a series of boundaries to reach the target of 143 with 23.1 overs to spare.

Key Performances in Pakistan’s Historic Win

  • Haris Rauf’s Impactful Bowling Haris Rauf, known for his raw pace and lethal accuracy, led the Pakistani bowling attack with relentless precision. Across the series, Rauf targeted key Australian batsmen, managing to dismiss marquee players like Glenn Maxwell multiple times. His bowling spells not only broke partnerships but also demoralized the Australian lineup, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s victories in the second and third ODIs.
  • Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique In both the second and third ODIs, Pakistan’s opening pair of Ayub and Shafique displayed remarkable composure and aggressive play. Their partnerships provided Pakistan with solid starts, making the chase manageable even against a capable Australian bowling unit. Their approach emphasized calculated risks and an ability to handle high-pressure chases.
  • Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s Contributions Pakistan’s middle-order stalwarts, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, played vital roles in sustaining the innings and finishing chases. Their experience in building partnerships and scoring under pressure added to Pakistan’s stability in the batting lineup. Rizwan’s consistency was particularly noteworthy, as he provided tactical leadership on the field alongside his captaincy in tosses and presentations.

Australia’s Struggles: Missing Key Players and Underwhelming Batting

While Australia’s team faced challenges due to the absence of key players like David Warner and Steve Smith, the reliance on their second-string batting lineup proved to be their Achilles heel. The batting order collapsed in both the second and third ODIs, unable to withstand Pakistan’s pace attack, and struggled to form partnerships that could drive higher scores. Despite a spirited performance from Josh Inglis as a stand-in captain, the team’s inconsistent batting put them at a disadvantage.

Australia’s bowling efforts were also hampered, as their attack failed to defend modest totals effectively. Young talents like Lance Morris showed potential, but the lack of consistent support from other bowlers left Australia vulnerable.

Pakistan’s New Momentum and Future Implications

This series victory in Australia is expected to boost Pakistan’s morale and raise their profile in international cricket. Such wins on foreign soil emphasize Pakistan’s evolving strengths, especially in fast-bowling and top-order batting resilience. With Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack, Pakistan’s lineup looks balanced and poised for future challenges. The win has also brought national pride to Pakistani fans, who have long awaited an overseas triumph of this magnitude.

As both teams prepare for the upcoming T20 series, this ODI series will stand as a memorable milestone for Pakistan and a learning opportunity for Australia as they seek to strengthen their squad depth and consistency.

Conclusion

The third ODI between Australia and Pakistan was a defining moment in Pakistan’s cricket history, showcasing their capability to dominate in challenging conditions. Pakistan's top-notch bowling, consistent batting, and strategic play were key to their victory. As they head into the T20 series, Pakistan carries forward this winning momentum, while Australia looks to regroup and improve in front of their home crowd.

Future Outlook for Both Teams

For Pakistan, this series acts as a launching pad as they look forward to the upcoming ICC tournaments, especially with confidence in their well-rounded team. For Australia, rebuilding their squad and integrating new talent will be essential to maintain their competitive edge in international cricket. This historic series loss might prompt Australia to reassess their strategies and reinforce their lineup.