**Pakistan Ends Australia ODI Drought With Victory**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Pakistan Ends Australia ODI Drought with Victory

Pakistan ended their long-standing ODI drought against Australia with a resounding 7-wicket victory in the first of the three-match series played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday. The win marked Pakistan's first ODI triumph over Australia since 2010, breaking a run of 13 consecutive losses.

A Dominant Display by Pakistan

Pakistan's bowlers set the tone for the win with a disciplined performance, restricting Australia to a modest total of 225 runs. The Aussies, who were hoping to begin their tour with a win, struggled against the Pakistani pace attack, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah taking three wickets each.

The Pakistan bowlers' accuracy and relentless pressure proved too much for the Australian batsmen. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for Australia with 59 runs, but no other batsman managed to reach a half-century.

Pakistan's Chasing Mastery

The chase was a relatively straightforward affair for Pakistan, who reached the target of 226 in the 42nd over, with Imam-ul-Haq leading the way with a brilliant century (103 runs off 119 balls). The opener's knock was crucial in setting the platform for Pakistan's victory.

Babar Azam (50 runs) also played a significant role, making a half-century to keep Pakistan on track. This partnership between Babar and Imam proved to be the turning point of the match.

Significance of the Victory

The victory is a significant boost for Pakistan, especially as they prepare for the ICC World Cup later this year. The team's confidence will be sky-high after defeating a strong Australian side.

The win also highlights the growth of Pakistan's ODI team. They have consistently performed well in recent times, with a number of young players emerging and contributing to the team's success.

Looking Ahead

This victory will be a source of inspiration for Pakistan as they look to secure a series win in the remaining two ODIs. The Australian team, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup and bounce back in the next match. The series is likely to be a closely fought battle, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand.