PAK vs AUS: Former cricketers react as Pakistan clinches historic ODI series win over Australia

Pakistan secured a remarkable 2-1 victory in a thrilling ODI series on Australian soil, marking their first win against the Aussies in nearly 22 years. The Men in Green’s historic achievement has left the cricketing world in awe, with former players and fans taking to social media to celebrate.

The final match of the series saw Pakistan dominate, defeating Australia by eight wickets in the third ODI. The win was a stunning performance from Pakistan’s bowlers, who restricted Australia to just 140 runs. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were the standout performers, claiming three wickets each, while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain provided crucial breakthroughs.

In reply, openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub set a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership, scoring 37 and 42 runs, respectively. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batsman Babar Azam then guided Pakistan to victory, finishing the chase with ease in the 27th over.

The cricketing community has been abuzz with praise for Pakistan’s remarkable win. Former captain Shahid Afridi congratulated the team, saying, “Congratulations Team,” expressing his pride over the historic achievement.

Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad, also ecstatic about the victory, tweeted, “History has been created! Pakistan Cricket has finally done it! Exceptional performance by the team. Congrats to the whole nation.”

Wasim Akram, Pakistan’s legendary pacer, reflected on the significance of the series win, noting, “Beating the World ODI Champions in a series is a big achievement. This win will give huge confidence to the players, the new captain Rizwan, the cricket board, and, most importantly, the fans. It will lift Pakistan's cricket image hugely.”

Mohammad Hafeez, former all-rounder and team director, was also full of praise, highlighting the importance of Pakistan’s pace attack in the series win.

“Congratulations team Pakistan for winning an ODI series in Australia. Proud of u all. Fast bowling set up this great victory in all games. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Saim Ayub, and Abdullah Shafique batted well. Mohammad Rizwan,” he wrote.

England's former captain Kevin Pietersen also chimed in, saying, “Pakistan WIN in Australia. This is the reason they HAVE TO sort out all the negative ‘noise’ and help the talent show off their skills.”

However, Michael Vaughan, another former captain, offered a different perspective, commenting, “Pakistan have been absolutely fantastic but I don’t remember seeing a series where Australia have lacked so much intensity .. Bi-lateral series are on the decline I am afraid.”

Pakistan's victory over Australia in this ODI series marks a historic achievement, with the last such win occurring in 2002 under the captaincy of Waqar Younis.