Daily Times

We had almost forgotten to cheer our cricketers for a long time after the team hardly stood out for deserving claps. In recent weeks, our boys have, however, brought smiles to the cricket-loving nation. First, they made a comeback in a series against England. Now their victory over Australia in the One-Day International (ODI) series brings to light a commendable display of both class and resilience. By winning the third match and securing the series 2-1, the team has shown its potential with its cricketing prowess. The team proved that winning on foreign soil, particularly in a venue as challenging as Australia, is a feat worth celebrating. Thank you, the Rizwan team.

The calculated brilliance displayed in the third ODI started with a difficult decision to bowl first. This strategy, however, allowed our bowlers to gain early momentum as they dismantled Australia’s batting line-up. Fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf set the pace with disciplined bowling. They were able to disrupt the Australian batters and create constant pressure. Among them, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi were remarkable. Each of them claimed three crucial wickets, while Haris Rauf delivered a controlled performance that saw him named Player of the Series.

Australia’s captain Josh admitted his team’s shortcomings. A visibly shaken skipper cited his team’s inability to score competitively. Pakistan’s tactical edge extended beyond bowling; the batters demonstrated composure and strategy. The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub laid a steady foundation with an 84-run partnership, an impressive feat against an Australian bowling attack on home turf. The mature finishing touch by Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan further highlighted the stability and resolve that has come to characterise Pakistan’s new generation of cricketers.

Thank you, dear team, for the marvellous victory. Hopefully, you all know that cricket is not just a sport but a source of national pride in our part of the world. This victory over Australia will resonate with fans and critics alike. This win exhibits that the team is moving from strength to strength, armed with young talent and experienced leadership. Despite challenges, Pakistan’s cricketing spirit is resilient, driven by an unyielding commitment to excellence. Hopefully, this streak will persist in the Champions Trophy. *