“It took us 22 years…”: Pakistan great's emotional reaction on ODI series win against Australia

Former Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar praised the youngsters as Pakistan registered a historic ODI series win over Australia. Pakistan won the final ODI by 8 wickets to win the three-match series 2–1 and register their first ODI series win on Australian soil in 22 years. Akhtar praised fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah for their impressive performances and recalled his experiences of 2002 – the last time Pakistan won in Australia.

“Excellent win. After 22 years, we won against Australia. In 2002, I remember I was there. We won a series at the Gabba, and it took 22 years for our players to win a series. And He did an amazing job.” He played really well. Rizwan changed his attitude. They all played really well and did a good job comprehensively as well.”

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan praised the bowlers for their 2-1 ODI series win over Australia after they defeated Australia by eight wickets in the third and final match at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

This was Pakistan's first ODI series win over the hosts in 22 years. Chasing a modest target of 141 runs, Pakistan's openers Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafiq (37) made a partnership of 84 runs for the first wicket. Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) made an unbroken partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket and gave the team victory in 26.5 overs.

Earlier, when invited to bat, the Australian team was out for 140 runs in 31.5 overs. Sean Abbott (30) was the highest run scorer for the losing team. Left-arm fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah took three wickets each, while Haris Rauf took two wickets.

“Special moment for me, the country will be very happy today, we did not perform as per the expectations in the last few years. I am the captain only for the toss and presentation – everyone gives me tips on the field, the batting group and the bowling group,” Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.

“Full credit goes to the bowlers, Australia is not easy in Australia, the conditions suit their style of play, but the bowlers were excellent. Credit also goes to both the openers, they made the chase easy. They ( The fans (fans) don't care that much about the results, but the people at home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this win to them,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman.

(With IANS inputs)