Mike Hesson pays emotional tribute to departing Pakistan batting coach Hanif Malik

LAHORE: Mike Hesson has paid a heartfelt tribute to departing batting coach Hanif Malik following Pakistan's ODI series victory over Australia, praising his contribution to the team's development and acknowledging the positive influence he had within the white-ball set-up.

Taking to Instagram, Hesson shared a photograph of himself alongside Hanif with the series-winning trophy and expressed his gratitude for the coach's dedication, professionalism and commitment to the national side.

"Going to miss this smile a lot! Thank you Hanif for all the skill, passion and incredible work ethic you have brought to the white-ball group. You are an excellent coach, so genuine as a person and with a heart of gold. I wish you well in your next chapter," Hesson wrote.

It is pertinent to mention that Hanif Malik was appointed as the batting coach of the Pakistan men's team by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in May 2025.

He had previously served as the batting and fielding coach of the Pakistan Shaheens for the ACC Men's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in June 2023 and later worked as the fielding coach of the Pakistan women's national team during the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup in 2024.

Meanwhile, Pakistan secured their third consecutive ODI series victory over Australia after winning the deciding third match by four wickets in Lahore.

The Men in Green first claimed a 2-1 series win at home in 2022 before repeating the same result in Australia in 2025.

Pakistan sealed the latest series with a hard-fought victory in a low-scoring contest, dismissing Australia for 157 in 42 overs thanks to an impressive bowling performance led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and the spin duo of Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan.

Australia captain Josh Inglis anchored the innings with 65 from 71 deliveries, including eight fours and a six. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey were the only other batters to make notable contributions, scoring 19 runs each.

Shaheen led Pakistan's bowling attack with figures of 3/30 from eight overs. Abrar and Shadab picked up two wickets apiece, while Haris Rauf claimed one scalp.

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

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

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

Matthew Kuhnemann was Australia's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/38 from his 10 overs. Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw claimed one wicket each.