ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are set to expose their fiercest arsenal at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as they face Australia in high stakes three-match ODI series starting from today (Monday).
In a bold “horses for courses” approach, the team has opted for a formidable, four-pronged pace attack aimed at exploiting the MCG’s historically pace-friendly pitch.
Leading the assault is the fit and fiery Shaheen Shah Afridi, supported by the calculated speed of Naseem Shah, the aggression of Haris Rauf and the emerging talent of Mohammad Hasnain. This powerhouse lineup signals Pakistan’s intent to make an early impact on Australian turf.
Adding a fresh spark to the squad, promising batsman Irfan Khan Niazi has been awarded his ODI cap, a recognition of his potential both with the bat and ball at the field. Kamran Ghulam, who shone brightly during his Test debut, also secured a spot in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, with star batter Babar Azam’s return, Pakistan’s top-order looks solid and primed to deliver.
For Captain Mohammad Rizwan, this series marks his first as Pakistan’s ODI leader. Speaking to the press at MCG, he expressed a clear objective -- victory.
“My focus is to win for Pakistan, whatever it takes. We have proved in the Test series against England that strategic changes can bring success. We’re looking to replicate that against Australia.”
When asked about the decision to open with youngsters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique instead of veterans Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, Rizwan defended the move as part of Pakistan’s vision for the future. “Fakhar and Imam have given us excellent starts but now it’s time for the next generation to step up and make their mark.”
Rizwan also commended Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, calling them “superstars” whose contributions have elevated Pakistan’s cricketing stature. “Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem have not only performed but set a benchmark for the team. They deserve every ounce of respect for their services.”
Rizwan encouraged Pakistan’s youth to actively engage in the team’s efforts and welcomed suggestions from his younger teammates. He also called on the fans to stand by the team despite recent setbacks, promising a dedicated performance in this series.
“Fans might be disappointed with past results but we’re committed to give our best against defending world champions Australia on their home turf.” This series marks Pakistan’s return to ODI cricket since their World Cup campaign in India, where they missed the semi-final cut.
Rizwan acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his team’s preparations, with insights from coaches Tim Nielsen and Jason Gillespie to help adapt to Australian conditions.
Australia, meanwhile, will miss key players Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Cameron Green but will still field a formidable lineup with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc leading their pace attack.
Cummins rated Pakistan as a decent outfit: “It’s always great to have such high intensity game which makes the start of summer and it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to get going.
“Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years so I think it’s always a fairly even match. There will be good number of spectators at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”
Both the sides last met in the 50-over format during the ICC World Cup 2023 on October 20 where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March/April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.
Pakistan squad: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk, capt), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.
Australia squad: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
