High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri lauds cricket team on defeating Australia in Australia

Canberra: Pakistani High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri this week lauded the cricket team on defeating Australia in Australia after more than two decades.

“Congratulations – comprehensive much-needed victory. Just when spirits needed a lift, Team 🇵🇰 has reignited the passion of millions. Here’s to resilience, grit, and the unstoppable spirit of Pakistani cricket!” he posted on X.

Earlier, Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 in their one-day international (ODI) cricket series after their fast bowlers put on a superb display of pace and seam bowling to dismiss Australia for 140 in the third match at Perth as their batters chased the target with eight wickets to spare.

The hosts were thoroughly punished for resting their top players in the series decider on Sunday. Chasing the target, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and his predecessor, Babar Azam, sealed the win in the 27th over to give Pakistan their first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002.

Underscoring the diminished standing of the 50-over format, Australia chose to rest their red-ball players for the decider as preparations ramp up for a blockbuster five-match Test series against India beginning November 22.

The visitors, who suffered a narrow loss in the opener before bouncing back with a nine-wicket thumping on Friday, won the toss and elected to field.

Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the way, picking up three wickets apiece during a showcase of swing and pace, which accounted for Jake Fraser-McGurk (seven) and Aaron Hardie (12) in the first powerplay.