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The ODI series between Pakistan and Australia starts tomorrow. The ODI series is part of both the teams’ preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan last won an ODI series in Australia in 2002. Under the leadership of Waqar Younis, Pakistan clinched the series with victories in Melbourne and Brisbane. They have struggled to win ODI series there in subsequent years.
The ODI series against Australia is Pakistan’s first assignment in the format since the World Cup in India a year ago. It begins a busy period in the 50-over format in the run-up to the Champions Trophy in February, the first ICC event Pakistan will host since the 1996 World Cup.
Before the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Mohammad Rizwan will lead the national white ball team. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the vice-captain. The PCB’s decision reflects their confidence in Rizwan’s ability to lead the team in these crucial matches, especially as they prepare to defend their title in the ICC Champions Trophy.
As Pakistan prepares for the series in Australia, one question remains on the minds of cricket fans and analysts alike: Can Pakistan pull off a victory under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan?
Known for his consistency and spirited performances, Rizwan has quickly established himself as one of the team’s key players, especially after a stellar performance in the T20 formats and a solid performance in the ODIs.
However, Australia makes for a challenging environment for any visiting team, and the task increases when a new captain takes the reins. Here’s a look at the factors that could determine Pakistan’s success in the ODI series.
Rizwan is known for his calmness and calculation. As a player, Rizwan brings stability to the batting line-up and a dynamic presence behind the stumps.
His understanding of the nuances of the game, strong work ethic, and ability to stay under pressure can bring resilience to a team. However, his success as captain will depend on his ability to motivate and manage players in high-stakes matches, especially on Australian soil.
Rizwan’s leadership qualities have already come to the fore as vice-captain. He has shown the ability to handle pressure while keeping the team focused on the game plan, especially in crunch situations. This calm, level-headed approach can prove beneficial in Australia, where quick adaptation to pitches and high-pressure scenarios is key to success.
Historically, Australia has been a difficult destination for teams from the subcontinent. The pitches offer more bounce and speed, which can challenge batsmen who are not used to such conditions.
It will not be easy for Pakistan to deal with players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in their home conditions. Rizwan and the coaching staff must prepare the batsmen to handle these fast bowlers effectively.
Pakistan’s spinners may also face difficulties. Australian pitches are less conducive to spin and Pakistan will have to rely on a balanced attack. With bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, the team has a strong pace line-up that can pose a threat to the Australian batsmen. Rizwan’s familiarity with these players and his ability to work on strategic field placements and bowling rotations will be crucial.
Pakistan’s team composition will be an important factor in the series. Rizwan’s leadership will benefit from the presence of experienced players like Shaheen Afridi. Young players like Abdullah Shafiq and Saeem Ayub will be prominent, and Rizwan’s approach to nurturing this young talent will be crucial.
Rizwan’s versatility as both a batsman and a wicketkeeper enables Pakistan to play with an additional all-rounder, adding more depth to the team. A strong middle-order line-up will be essential to maintain momentum in Australia, and Rizwan’s personal form will be scrutinized. His performance with the bat could set the tone for Pakistan’s innings, providing a solid foundation.
Although the odds are tough, under Rizwan’s captaincy, Pakistan have a fighting chance. Winning the series in Australia would be monumental not only for Rizwan’s captaincy credentials but also for Pakistan’s confidence as a team. If they can adapt quickly, exploit their pace attack, and maintain batting consistency, Rizwan’s leadership can lead them to victory.
Rizwan believes Pakistan can win Down Under against Australia. Pakistan were eliminated from home by Australia in the 2023 Test series.
After the Australia and Zimbabwe ODIs against South Africa in both formats, the tri-series between New Zealand and South Africa will be played in Multan just before the start of the white ball games and the Champions Trophy.
Ahead of the crucial tour of Australia, head coach Gary Kirsten resigned. Christen, who was appointed by the PCB on a two-year contract in April 2024, lasted barely six months in the role.
Red ball coach Jason Gillespie will fill in for Kirsten’s role for six white-ball games on the tour of Australia, while Aqib Javed will take over as head white-ball coach.
Both the teams have played 108 one-day international matches so far. Australia lead the way with 70 victories while the Green Shirts have been successful on 34 occasions.
Australia’s 369-7 at Adelaide on 26 January 2017 is the highest innings total by either side. Pakistan’s best score of 349-4 against Australia came in Lahore in March 2022.
Pakistan were bowled out for 108 in Nairobi on 30 August 2002 – the lowest ever innings total against Australia, while Australia’s lowest ODI total (120) was on 7 January 1997 in Hobart. .
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is the most successful batsman with 1107 runs including 108 fifties in 35 ODIs at an average of 36.90. Javed Miandad is the highest run scorer for Pakistan with 1019 runs in 35 matches at an average of 33.96. Muhammad Yousuf is just behind him with 1016 runs in 29 ODIs at an average of 37.62.
Wasim Akram is the most successful bowler with 67 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 27.43. Glenn McGrath took 57 wickets in 32 ODIs for Australia at an average of just 19.10.
Among the spinners, Shahid Afridi has taken the most wickets (49) in 43 ODI matches against Australia.
Ponting as captain won 16 ODIs against Pakistan in 21 matches while Imran Khan was successful on eight occasions in the same number of matches.
Wasim Akram is the most capped player for Pakistan with 49 matches against Australia while former captain Steve Waugh played 43 ODIs against the Green Shirts.
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