Pakistan seek rare ODI series victory against Australia

ISLAMABAD: In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Pakistan has emerged as the favorite to clinch the one-day series against Australia, a feat they last achieved on Australian soil 22 years ago.

Pakistan’s resurgence has been fueled by a spirited performance, and they now look primed to capitalize on a weakened Australian lineup at the Optus Stadium in Perth this Sunday.

It was 2002 when Pakistan last defeated Australia in an ODI series down under. The long wait has been marked by struggles and near-misses as Pakistan grappled with the formidable Australian teams on their home turf.

But this time, things are different. The recent victory in Adelaide against a full-strength Australian side has injected newfound confidence into the Pakistani camp.

With a pace attack led by Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s bowlers have successfully unsettled the Australian batting lineup.

The absence of veteran David Warner has left Australia with a new-look top order that appears vulnerable. Both Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk will face a baptism by fire as they go up against a Pakistani pace attack that is firing on all cylinders.

Adding to the challenges for Australia, key players have been rested, with a relatively inexperienced Josh Inglis stepping in as captain.

The hosts will have to lean on backup players like Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, and Spencer Johnson as they attempt to regain control in the final match.

For Pakistan, this match represents a golden opportunity not only to win the series but to make a statement on foreign soil.

However, the team must navigate the renowned bounce and pace of the Optus Stadium—a surface that can be unforgiving. Complacency is also a potential pitfall; Pakistan will need to bring the same intensity that secured victory in Adelaide to avoid an upset.

The greenshirts are likely to stick with the winning combination, opting for their four-pronged pace attack with Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha offering part-time spin if needed.

Batting-wise, the opening duo of Saim and Abdullah Shafique will be counted on to replicate their impressive partnership of 137 runs from the previous game.

Australia, on the other hand, will reshuffle their lineup with Sean Abbott back in the mix, supported by Stoinis, Lance Morris, Cooper Connolly, and Spencer Johnson.

This reshaped side will aim to counter Pakistan’s relentless pace attack while hoping for a turnaround under Perth’s clear skies and mild temperature of 23°C.

With the stage set, fans are eagerly anticipating a historic victory as Pakistan takes the field in what could be a defining moment for the team and a landmark win for the nation.

Likely teams:

Australia: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (captain, wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Lance Morris.

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.