Many people didn't give Pakistan any chance in this 3 match 50-Over Series, but they've stood up admirably to win it 2-1 with some impressive bowling performances that should get credit where it's due. Australia won the first game by just 2 wickets and were lucky to limp home after the Pakistan bowling attack ripped through a quality Australian batting side....and it just got worse from there.
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Game 2 should have been the big eye opener though because after sending Australia in to bat in Adelaide on what looked like a decent batting surface the Pakistan bowlers tore through the entire Australian side in just 35 Overs, restricting them to just 163 Runs. Afridi led the attack as expected and took some early wickets, but it was Haris Rauf who smashed the Australian middle order to pieces with an exceptional 5 Wicket Haul.
At that point it should have been obvious to keen observers that Pakistan was here to play. I had written in my Previous Cricket Post that :-
"... with Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheading the bowling they are very capable of being a serious threat on Austalian pitches - especially this early in the season."
That's exactly how it was playing out. Despite the massive Adelaide performance Winning by 9 wickets and the fact that Australia were then Resting their Test Stars for Game 3 the markets had still priced Pakistan at big underdog prices for the final game. I can't remember seeing a sports market get it so horribly wrong. Australias best 3 fast bowlers - Starc, Cummins and Hazelwood were going to be out. Plus the 2 best batsmen - Smith and Labuschagne out too...with a New Australian Captain, it was a no-brainer to be backing Pakistan in this game. Pakistan had all the momentum and Australia were going to be up against it fielding a weaker side in Game 3.
That's how it played out too. Pakistan sent Australia in to bat again and knocked them over cheaply AGAIN. This time in only 31.5 Overs for just 140 Runs. Afridi picked up another 3 wickets, Naseem Shah got 3 too and Haris Rauf with 2. The run chase was then once again a doddle and Pakistan knocked the target over easily and Winning by 8 wickets.
Well done Pakistan! International cricket is at its best when Pakistan are playing well. I look forward to the ICC Challenge Trophy Tournament in February and hope Pakistan keep playing well. I'm sure that the Australian side will be better prepared next time and I hope to see a rematch between these great cricket nations soon...
