As the world waited for the decider in a gripping ODI series between Pakistan and Australia, another headline stole attention—a message from India’s BCCI to the ICC, stating that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. For Pakistan, this was more than just disappointing news; it was a reminder of the challenges they’ve repeatedly faced to earn a place in world cricket. Yet, as they’ve proven time and again, these cornered tigers refuse to be written off.

Pakistan has etched its name in cricket history by defeating the current champions Australia on their own turf in a thrilling ODI series. This was the first time Pakistan was playing ODIs since their disappointing exit from the 2023 World Cup, a campaign that left fans and players alike with shattered expectations. With a newly appointed captain, Muhammad Rizwan, and a team on a mission to redeem itself.

Pakistan’s journey has been anything but smooth. Since the World Cup debacle, the national team’s management and leadership have seen multiple shifts, with former captain Babar Azam stepping down, then returning, only to leave again.

With no ODIs played since that ill-fated World Cup, Pakistan’s return to the format was eagerly anticipated as Champions Trophy was getting closer. Boosted by a morale-lifting Test series victory over England at home—the first in three years—the Pakistani squad arrived in Australia with renewed determination.

The series opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground set the stage for a high-stakes. Pakistan’s formidable pace attack almost snatched victory from Australia’s grip. With fiery spells from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, the Pakistani pacers turned the match into a nail-biter, nearly stealing the win. However, the Australians held their nerve and edged Pakistan out by a slim margin of two wickets.

The second ODI, held in Adelaide, was nothing short of a Pakistani spectacle. Fast-bowler Haris Rauf delivered a sensational performance, claiming five wickets. The young opening pair of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, both under the spotlight following pre-series skepticism, answered critics with a thrilling partnership. Their aggressive yet calculated batting helped Pakistan chase down the target with ease, leveling the series.

With the series tied, the decider at Perth’s Optus Stadium proved a historic moment. Batting first, Australia struggled to handle Pakistan’s fast-bowling quartet, crumbling at just 140. Without their Test stars like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Steven Smith, who were focused on preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia’s lineup looked vulnerable against Pakistan. For the first time in a bilateral men’s ODI series, no Australian player managed a half-century.

Pakistan chased down the modest target with a confident display, clinching a rare ODI series win in Australia—a feat not achieved in decades.

Every player had his contribution to the victory. Babar Azam, scored 80 runs across three matches, providing valuable support at crucial moments. Captain Rizwan led from the front with 10 catches and 74 runs. Shaheen Afridi took 8 wickets, Naseem Shah added 5, and Haris Rauf claimed the Player of the Series with a total of 10 wickets across the series.

This historic series win could not have come at a more opportune moment. Amidst ongoing diplomatic challenges surrounding Pakistan’s hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy, this victory serves as a morale booster, reaffirming Pakistan’s standing in the cricketing world.

This is a team that can never be written off—no matter the circumstances, they will fight back with all their heart, and they will make their mark.