Former Test cricketer Rashid Latif has praised Pakistan’s remarkable 2-1 ODI series win against Australia, marking Pakistan’s first series triumph over Australia on their home soil in 22 years. The decisive victory was secured in Perth, where Pakistan’s bowlers restricted Australia to a mere 140 runs in the third ODI. Pakistan comfortably chased the target in 27 overs, losing only two wickets and clinching the series in a historic fashion.
Following this ODI success, the Men in Green are set to compete in a three-match T20I series against Australia, beginning on November 14.
Latif, a former Pakistan captain, attributed the team’s success to a combination of strong leadership, strategic player selection, and adaptability to pitch conditions. Speaking in an interview with a local news channel, Latif remarked, “When you have a good captain, the team performs on the ground. We can see this happening in this series.” He highlighted that effective captaincy has been instrumental in uniting the players both on and off the field, creating a cohesive unit capable of delivering high-caliber performances.
In addition to leadership, Latif emphasized the significance of selecting the right players and adapting to local pitch conditions as key factors in Pakistan’s victory. “In this win, captaincy, player selection, and pitch conditions all played a significant role,” he noted, underscoring the team’s strategic approach.
Latif also commended the standout performances of both the Pakistani bowlers and batters. “The bowlers performed beyond expectations, dismissing Australian players who are familiar with their home pitches. And the batting, which chased down 141 with ease, was equally impressive,” he added. “This win against Australia in Australia is highly encouraging for Pakistan cricket.”
As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming T20 series, the ODI win is seen as a promising indicator of the team’s resilience and capability, further lifting the spirits of Pakistan’s cricketing fans and setting the stage for continued success in the series.