Mohammad Rizwan Leads Pakistan to Historic ODI Series Win in Australia

Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team has gotten off to a dream start. In the third and final ODI against Australia, Rizwan led his side to a dominant eight-wicket victory, clinching the three-match ODI series 2-1. This win marks Pakistan’s first ODI series victory in Australia in 22 years, making it a historic achievement for the team.

The series decider, played at Optus Stadium in Perth, was a one-sided affair. Pakistan bowled out Australia for just 140 runs, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah each picking up three wickets. Haris Rauf, named Player of the Series, contributed with two wickets in the final ODI. In reply, Pakistan made short work of the chase, reaching the target of 141 in just 27 overs, with 133 balls remaining. Pakistan won the match by eight wickets, with Rizwan contributing 30 runs off 27 balls and forming a crucial 58-run stand with Babar Azam for the third wicket.

After the match, Rizwan described the win as a “special moment,” noting how it would bring immense joy to the people of Pakistan. However, he made an interesting comment about his role as captain. Rizwan humbly admitted that his responsibilities as captain were mainly limited to “toss and presentations,” joking that anyone could approach him with suggestions on the field. Despite his modesty, Rizwan’s leadership has undoubtedly been pivotal in Pakistan’s success during this series.

Rizwan’s knock was just one of many highlights in the match. His partnership with Babar Azam was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory, and the two players celebrated together as soon as the winning runs were hit. The entire squad and support staff soon joined in the celebration, marking the historic win.

Haris Rauf played a significant role throughout the series, taking nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second ODI at Adelaide. Rauf was ecstatic after the win, thanking Allah and the fans for their support. He reflected on the team’s hard work, noting the excellent communication within the bowling group and their vital preparation in the nets. His performance was a critical factor in Pakistan’s dominant series win.

One of Rauf’s standout performances was his ability to dismiss Australia’s Glenn Maxwell in all three ODIs. Speaking about this, Rauf praised Maxwell as a “superstar” and a “legend” of the game, acknowledging his luck in dismissing the Australian all-rounder three times during the series.

Pakistan’s win over Australia is a massive boost for their white-ball cricket, and the series victory is a testament to the team’s skill and resilience. With Rizwan leading from the front and players like Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah delivering standout performances, Pakistan has shown they are a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.

Image Credits: NDTV

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