Azhar Ali highlights bigger challenge for Pakistan after Australia series win

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has congratulated Pakistan national cricket team on their recent ODI series victory over Australia, while urging the side to maintain focus on long-term consistency and major ICC events.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Azhar praised the team’s overall display, highlighting several encouraging individual and collective performances across the series.

However, he stressed that Pakistan’s real challenge lies ahead in translating bilateral success into major tournament performances.

“Series won, congratulations Pakistan. A lot of encouraging performances throughout the series, but the bigger challenge still lies ahead,” Azhar wrote.

He further emphasised the need for careful long-term planning with ICC World Cup preparations in mind, urging selectors and team management to prioritise continuity and strategic clarity.

“We’ve consistently shown we can compete in bilateral cricket but the real test is translating that success to ICC tournaments. Hopefully the World Cup remains the priority in every selection and planning decision moving forward,” he added.

The victory marked Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series win over Australia. The Men in Green first secured a 2-1 win on home soil in 2022 before repeating the same scoreline in Australia in 2025.

Pakistan wrapped up the series with a hard-fought win in a low-scoring contest, bowling Australia out for 157 in 42 overs. The performance was led by an excellent bowling display spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi alongside Pakistan’s spin attack.

Australia captain Josh Inglis top-scored with 65 off 71 balls, hitting eight fours and a six. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey added 19 runs each, but the visitors were unable to build a substantial total.

Shaheen Shah Afridi returned impressive figures of 3/30 from eight overs, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets apiece. Haris Rauf also contributed with one wicket.

In reply, Pakistan recovered from an early setback to chase down the target in 41.5 overs, losing six wickets in the process. Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan guided the side home with a composed partnership.

Although Babar Azam played a relatively slow innings, he top-scored for Pakistan with 40 off 84 deliveries, striking three boundaries. Maaz Sadaqat made a brisk 27 from 26 balls, hitting five fours.

Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 18 from 30 deliveries, while Shadab Khan contributed a valuable 29 off 42 balls, including two boundaries.

For Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/38 from 10 overs. Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw took one wicket each as Australia fell short in a closely contested encounter.