PAK vs AUS: Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf reflect on Pakistan's ODI series victory against Australia

Rizwan shared his heartfelt emotions

PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed joy and pride after Pakistan’s remarkable 2-1 ODI series victory against Australia on their home soil. This win marks Pakistan's first ODI series triumph in Australia in 22 years, a feat celebrated both by the team and the fans back home.

During the post-match presentation, Rizwan shared his heartfelt emotions, stating, “This is a special moment for me because we know our nation, and they will all be happy today. Over the last few years, we didn't quite meet the expectations they had for us as a team. But today, we’re happy because we’ve made our nation happy.”

He extended special praise to Pakistan’s bowlers, who played a pivotal role in overcoming Australia.

"All the credit goes to our bowlers for the way they bowled here," he continued. "Australia on their home turf is never an easy challenge. I also want to commend Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub. In both this game and the last, they gave us important stands and made the chases easier for us.”

Right-arm pacer Haris Rauf, named Player of the Series for his impressive haul of 10 wickets, echoed Rizwan's sentiments.

“This means a lot for Pakistan because we have been struggling too much in the last couple of months. This series win is very important for everyone in Pakistan and our team. We play for the fans and they come and support us every time, so thanks to them all over the world,” Rauf said.

The third and final ODI saw Pakistan put up a dominant performance, defeating Australia by eight wickets. Pakistan’s bowlers were exceptional, limiting Australia to 140 runs, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah claiming three wickets each, while Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain also provided key breakthroughs.

In the chase, openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub laid a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership, scoring 37 and 42, respectively. Rizwan and Babar Azam then steered Pakistan to victory comfortably in the 27th over.