Pakistan receive plaudits after ODI series win against Australia

For the first time in 22 years, Pakistan clinched a one day international (ODI) series victory against Australia on their home turf on Sunday. 

After losing the opening match to the Kangaroos, the Men in Green bounced back, dominating the remaining games to secure the series. 

Pakistan’s fast bowlers proved unstoppable, as no Australian batter managed to reach a half-century throughout the series.

In the final match, Pakistan restricted Australia to a mere 140 runs and comfortably chased down the target in just 26.5 overs, losing only two wickets wicket.

This historic win drew praise from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and local and international cricket stars.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the team, calling it a “Big Day for Pakistani Cricket.” 

He added, “Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team on their historic ODI series victory against Australia. After 22 years, Pakistan has defeated Australia on their home ground in a convincing manner! 

"This victory is the result of the unity and teamwork of our brilliant players, as well as the efforts of the coaching staff and PCB under the able leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. May this be the start of a great and glorious period for Pakistani cricket!”

Meanwhile, President Zardari said the entire team deserved congratulations for their splendid show and eclipsing the Aussies after 22 years in Australia.

"I hope that the Pakistan cricket team will achieve more success in the future too,” he added.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan cricket team made the nation proud by winning ODI series against a strong team like Australia in their home ground.

All the players and team management deserved appreciation as the national team outclassed their opponents in all departments — fielding, bowling and batting.

"Today's victory, the result of a team work, has spread happiness on the faces of the entire nation. Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf bowled well to rout Australia for a low total, while Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafiq once again batted responsibly to bring the team to victory. Similarly, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also chipped in well.

"I am sure that passion, hard work and determination leads to success in every work," he added.

Speaking to Geo News, former cricketer Rashid Latif said it was a big win for the home side, which was long due.

Rizwan brilliantly led the team from the front, he said, adding, "a wicket-keeper has a good eye on the game; as is the case with Rizwan who demonstrated remarkable captaincy skills".

He also praised the team for their collective effort, saying unity in the squad was evident which also showed the dressing room environment must be pleasant.

Latif said Pakistan should not lose the momentum built up recently with the ODI series victory after Test success against England.

"It seems like the chances for Pakistan’s win in the (forthcoming) T20 series against Australia are bright," he said.

On openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique's performance, former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad said they had clarity of mind which manifested through their performance and they looked better than Australian batters.

"They complemented each other quite well," he added.