AUS vs PAK: Pakistan end two-decade old drought in Australia, Haris Rauf stars in 2-1 series win

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AUS vs PAK: Pakistan clinched a historic ODI series victory over Australia with an emphatic 8-wicket win in the third match at Perth, sealing the series 2-1. This triumph marks Pakistan's first ODI series victory on Australian soil in 22 years, a feat achieved through stellar bowling and a composed batting display.

Haris Rauf starred in the win as he collected man of the match for his 2/24 spell while Pak's pace attack bowled out Australia for 140 at the Optus Stadium. Pakistan chased down the target with relative ease with Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) building a strong foundation for the chase.

Australia, resting key players ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, struggled to establish partnerships on a lively pitch. Openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk started aggressively, reaching 18 runs in the first two overs, but Pakistan's bowlers soon seized control.

Naseem Shah provided the breakthrough, removing Fraser-McGurk for 7, and Shaheen Afridi struck shortly after to dismiss Aaron Hardie, leaving Australia at 37/2. Stand-in captain Josh Inglis was dismissed for 7, edging a sharp delivery from Naseem to the keeper. With the top order collapsing, Cooper Connolly and Marcus Stoinis tried to rebuild but faltered under the relentless pressure. Haris Rauf dismissed Short for 22, followed by a quick wicket of Glenn Maxwell, pushing Australia further into trouble at 81/5.

Shaheen Afridi's probing spell, despite a hand injury, alongside Mohammad Hasnain's steady support, kept Australia on the back foot. Sean Abbott, the lone standout in the lower order, scored 30, while Adam Zampa chipped in with 13 to help Australia reach 140 in 31.5 overs. Afridi's 3/32, Naseem's 3/54, and Rauf's 2/24 highlighted Pakistan's effective bowling performance, restricting Australia to a below-par score.

Chasing 141, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37), laid a solid foundation, effortlessly rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. Lance Morris's two breakthroughs briefly lifted Australian hopes, dismissing both openers to leave Pakistan at 89/2.

However, skipper Mohammad Rizwan (30*) and Babar Azam (28*) led the charge with calm precision, guiding Pakistan to their target in 26.5 overs. Babar's back-to-back boundaries off Morris epitomized Pakistan's confidence, while Rizwan's spirited leadership contributed to the team's resurgence.

Post-match, Rizwan celebrated the historic win, crediting the bowlers and acknowledging the unwavering support from fans. Haris Rauf earned Player of the Match for his critical wickets and was also awarded Player of the Series for his consistent bowling. Australia's Josh Inglis admitted disappointment, acknowledging Pakistan's dominance across the series. The victory not only breaks a 22-year drought for Pakistan but also underscores their growth and resilience in challenging overseas conditions.