The 2024 ODI series between Australia and Pakistan marked a significant moment in cricket history, as Pakistan secured their first ODI series victory on Australian soil in 22 years. The series, consisting of three matches, concluded with Pakistan winning 2-1, showcasing their dominance, particularly in the final match held at Perth Stadium on November 10, 2024.
Series Overview
Match Summaries
- 1st
ODI (Melbourne):
- Result:
Australia won by 2 wickets.
- Highlights:
In a tightly contested match, Australia managed to chase down a target of
250 runs, largely due to contributions from their middle order. This
match set the tone for a competitive series.
- 2nd
ODI (Adelaide):
- Result:
Pakistan won by 9 wickets.
- Highlights:
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique starred with the bat, scoring 82 and 64
runs respectively, leading Pakistan to a comfortable victory. Their
performance was crucial in leveling the series.
- 3rd
ODI (Perth):
- Result:
Pakistan won by 8 wickets.
- Highlights: Australia struggled significantly, being bowled out for just 140 runs in 31.5 overs. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were instrumental with the ball, each taking three wickets. In response, Pakistan chased down the target with ease, led by solid performances from their openers, and finished off by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Key Players
Pakistan's Standouts:
- Shaheen
Shah Afridi: His exceptional bowling throughout the series earned him awards,
finishing with 8 wickets at an average of just over 12 runs per wicket.
- Haris
Rauf: Emerging as a key player in the bowling lineup, Rauf took 10
wickets across the series and was crucial in breaking partnerships at
critical moments.
- Saim
Ayub: With a total of 125 runs in the series, including a
match-defining performance in the second ODI, Ayub proved to be a reliable
opener.
Australia's Challenges:
- The
Australian team fielded a less experienced side in the final ODI due to
resting several key players like Pat Cummins and Steve Smith for their
upcoming Test series against India. This decision arguably affected their
performance throughout the series.
Tactical Analysis
Bowling Strategies
Pakistan's bowling attack was characterized by its pace and
swing, effectively exploiting the conditions in Australia. Shaheen Afridi and
Naseem Shah's ability to take early wickets set the tone for each match. Their
aggressive bowling forced Australia into early collapses, particularly evident
in the final ODI where they reduced Australia to 22/4 within just a few overs.
Batting Performances
Pakistan's batting showed resilience after losing the first
match. The partnership between Ayub and Shafique in the second ODI was crucial
for building momentum. In contrast, Australia's batting lineup struggled to
form solid partnerships throughout the series, particularly highlighted by
their collapse in the third ODI where Sean Abbott was their top scorer with
only 30 runs
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