PERTH: Pakistan thoroughly punished Australia for resting their top players in the one-day international series decider at Perth Stadium on Sunday, cruising to an eight-wicket win in the third and final game after a sublime display of seam bowling.
Securing their first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002, an unchanged Pakistan restricted the hosts to 140 from 31.5 overs before mowing down the total by scoring 143-2 in 26.5 overs.
Underscoring the diminished standing of the 50-over format, Australia chose to rest their red-ball players for the decider as preparations ramp up for a blockbuster five-test series against India beginning November 22.
The tourists, who suffered a narrow loss in the opener before bouncing back with a nine-wicket thumping on Friday, won the toss and elected to field.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the way, picking up three wickets apiece during a showcase of swing and pace which accounted for Jake Fraser-McGurk (seven) and Aaron Hardie (12) in the first powerplay.
Josh Inglis, in his captaincy debut, departed for seven after skying Naseem to keeper Mohammad Rizwan in the 11th over and opener Matt Short (22) soon followed, caught at square-leg attempting to pull in-form quick Haris Rauf (2-24).
It went from bad to worse for the hosts when a nasty blow from seamer Mohammad Hasnain to the left hand of Cooper Connolly forced the 21-year-old to retire hurt on seven and leave the venue for scans.
Saim Ayub hits 82 as Pakistan crush Australia in 2nd ODI
A jubilant Rauf found the edge of Glenn Maxwell on zero, leaving Australia reeling at 79-5.
No spin was used as the Pakistan seamers maintained the pressure and mopped up the tail. Sean Abbott top-scored with 30.
In reply, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37), fresh off half-centuries, played with fluency and controlled aggression during an 84-run opening stand.
Local speedster Lance Morris (2-24) sent both set batsmen packing in the 18th over to give the Perth crowd something to cheer about, leaving Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) to seal the result.
Pakistan round out their tour Down Under with three Twenty20 internationals starting in Brisbane on Thursday.
PM Shehbaz, President Zardari commend Pakistan’s historic win
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Pakistan on their historic series win Down Under after 22 years.
In a statement, Shehbaz commended the excellent performances of Pakistan’s bowlers and batters.
“Our players showed remarkable skill against Australia,” he said, adding that the nation was proud of the Pakistan team’s performances.
The premier said the hard work of every player and member of the management was evident, and the Pakistan cricket team fully deserved this win.
Meanwhile, President Zardari also felicitated the team for their valiant efforts on the field.
He said that the Pakistan cricket team will achieve more success in the future.