he one-day series between Pakistan and Australia is starting tomorrow. The ODI series is part of the Champions Trophy 2025 preparation for both teams.

Pakistan last won an ODI series in Australia in 2002. Led by Waqar Younis, Pakistan secured the series with victories in Melbourne and Brisbane. They have struggled to secure an ODI series win there in subsequent years.

The ODI series against Australia is Pakistan's first assignment in the format since the World Cup in India a year earlier. It kickstarts a busy period in the 50-over format in the build-up to the Champions Trophy in February, the first ICC event Pakistan are scheduled to host since the 1996 World Cup.

Before the Australia and Zimbabwe tours, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Mohammad Rizwan would lead the national white-ball team. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the vice-captain. The PCB's decision reflects their confidence in Rizwan's abilities to guide the team through these crucial matches, especially as they prepare to defend their title at the ICC Champions Trophy.

As Pakistan gear up for the series in Australia, one question lingers in the minds of cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike: Can Pakistan clinch victory under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan?

Known for his consistency and spirited performances, Rizwan has quickly established himself as one of the team’s pivotal players, especially after his prolific performances in T20 formats and solid stints in ODIs.

However, Australia poses a challenging environment for any visiting team, and the task is magnified when a new captain takes the reins. Here’s a look at the factors that could determine Pakistan’s success in the ODI series down under.

Rizwan is known for his calm and calculated approach. As a player, Rizwan brings stability to the batting lineup and a dynamic presence behind the stumps.

His understanding of the game’s nuances, strong work ethic, and ability to remain composed under pressure could instill resilience in the team. However, his success as a captain will depend on his ability to inspire and manage players in high-stakes matches, especially on Australian soil.

Rizwan’s leadership qualities have already come to the forefront in his role as vice-captain. He’s demonstrated the capability to handle pressure while keeping the team focused on the game plan, particularly in crunch situations. This calm, level-headed approach may prove advantageous in Australia, where quick adaptation to pitches and high-pressure scenarios are key to success.

Historically, Australia has been a tough destination for subcontinental teams. The pitches tend to offer more bounce and pace, which can challenge batsmen not accustomed to such conditions.

For Pakistan, tackling the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins in their home conditions will not be easy. Rizwan and the coaching staff must prepare the batsmen to handle these fast bowlers effectively.

Pakistan’s spinners could also face difficulties. Australian pitches are less conducive to spin, and Pakistan will need to rely on a balanced attack. With bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, the team does have a potent pace lineup that could pose a threat to the Australian batsmen. Rizwan’s familiarity with these players and his ability to employ strategic field placements and bowling rotations will be crucial.

Pakistan’s team composition will be a vital factor in the series. Rizwan’s leadership will benefit from the presence of seasoned players like Shaheen Afridi. Young players such as Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will be under the spotlight, and Rizwan’s approach to nurturing this young talent will be important.

Rizwan’s versatility as both batsman and wicketkeeper could enable Pakistan to play with an additional all-rounder, giving the team more depth. A strong middle-order lineup will be necessary to maintain momentum in Australia, and Rizwan’s personal form will be under scrutiny. His performance with the bat could set the tone for Pakistan’s innings, providing a stable foundation.

While the odds are challenging, Pakistan under Rizwan's captaincy have a fighting chance. A series win in Australia would be monumental, not only for Rizwan’s captaincy credentials but also for Pakistan’s confidence as a team. If they can adapt quickly to the conditions, leverage their pace attack, and maintain batting consistency, Rizwan’s leadership might just lead them to victory.

Rizwan believes that Pakistan can win against Australia Down Under. Pakistan were blanked by Australia in the 2023 Test series away from home.

The Australia and Zimbabwe ODIs are followed by white-ball games in both formats against South Africa, and a tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa in Multan just before the start of the Champions Trophy.

Before the important tour to Australia, head coach Gary Kirsten resigned. Kirsten, who was appointed by the PCB on a two-year contract in April 2024, lasted barely six months in the role.

Red ball coach Jason Gillespie will fill Kirsten's role on the tour of Australia for the six white-ball games while later Aaqib Javed will take up as the white ball head coach.

The two teams have played 108 One-day Internationals so far. Australia are far ahead with 70 wins while the Greenshirts have been successful on 34 occasions.

Australia’s 369-7 at Adelaide on 26th January, 2017, is the highest innings total from the two sides. Pakistan’s best score of 349-4 against Aussies came in Lahore in March 2022.

Pakistan were bowled out for 108 on 30 Aug 2002 in Nairobi -- the lowest completed innings total against Australia so far while Australia’s lowest ODI total (120) came in Hobart on 7 Jan 1997.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is the most successful batsman with 1107 runs in 35 ODIs, including one hundred and eight fifties, averaging 36.90. For Pakistan, Javed Miandad is the highest run-getter with 1019 runs, also in 35 matches, averaging 33.96. Muhammad Yousuf is just behind him with 1016 runs in 29 ODIs, averaging 37.62.

Wasim Akram is the most successful bowler with 67 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 27.43. Glenn McGrath took 57 wickets in 32 ODIs for Australia, averaging just 19.10.

Among spinners, Shahid Afridi has taken most (49) wickets in 43 ODIs against Australia.

Ponting won 16 ODIs against Pakistan in 21 appearances as captain, while in the same number of matches Imran Khan remained successful on eight occasions.

Wasim Akram is the most capped player for Pakistan against Australia with 49 matches while former skipper Steve Waugh played 43 ODIs against the Greenshirts.

khurrams87@yahoo.com