**Rauf, Ayub Lead Pakistan To ODI Victory In Australia**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Rauf, Ayub Lead Pakistan to ODI Victory in Australia

Pakistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) at the MCG on Friday, thanks to a brilliant performance from Shaheen Shah Afridi and a crucial knock from Mohammad Rizwan.

The match was a tense affair right from the start, with Australia setting a target of 289 runs. Pakistan's chase was initially hindered by the loss of wickets, but Rizwan's calm and composed innings kept them in the game. He scored a crucial 93 runs off 104 balls, providing the foundation for Pakistan's victory.

Afridi's Bowling Masterclass

The standout performer for Pakistan was Shaheen Shah Afridi, who delivered a sensational bowling display. He finished with figures of 5/54, claiming the crucial wickets of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace made him a constant threat to the Australian batsmen.

"It was a great win for us," said Afridi after the match. "I'm really happy with my performance, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series."

Ayub's Crucial Contribution

Mohammad Rizwan wasn't the only hero for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman also played a vital role in the chase, scoring a quickfire 67 runs off 69 balls. But the winning runs were scored by Iftikhar Ahmed, who hit a boundary off the bowling of Sean Abbott in the 49th over.

This victory is a significant boost for Pakistan's confidence ahead of the remaining two ODIs. They will now be aiming to carry this momentum into the next match and secure a series win in Australia.

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Shaheen Shah Afridi's performance: His five-wicket haul was instrumental in restricting Australia's score and setting up Pakistan's victory.
• Mohammad Rizwan's stability: His calm and composed innings anchored Pakistan's chase and allowed the other batsmen to play freely around him.
• Pakistan's fighting spirit: Despite losing wickets early in their chase, they never gave up and displayed a strong determination to win.

This victory is a testament to Pakistan's growing strength in ODI cricket. With players like Afridi, Rizwan, and Zaman in their ranks, they are a force to be reckoned with in the international arena. The series is far from over, but this first victory in Australia has set the tone for what could be a thrilling and memorable series.