‘Nation will be very happy’- Mohammad Rizwan makes emotional statement after rare ODI series win against Australia

Pakistan Cricket team led by Mohammad Rizwan beat Australia in the three-match ODI series on Sunday. This was Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia for 22 years. Their last ODI series came under Waqar Younis as Shoaib Akhtar picked a fifer in the final game in Brisbane. 

Speaking at the end of the game, Mohammad Rizwan said, “Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn't perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations, everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group.”

The 32-year-old said, “All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also, credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy. Fans don't care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them.”

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Second-string Australia loses home ODI series 

Josh Inglis was named the skipper for Australia as Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Steve Smith were all rested. The ODI World Cup winners were put into bat first just like the opening game. Pakistani pacers struck yet again as they decimated the home team to bowl them out for 140. 

Cooper Connolly who copped a blow to his hand didn’t come out to bat to leave Australia a player short. Sean Abbott’s 30 was the highest score for Australia while Matthew Short scored while opening the batting. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah picked 3 wickets apiece while Mohammad Hasnain picked two and Haris Rauf picked a single wicket. 

Chasing 141 to win, Pakistani openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique added 84 runs in 18 overs. Lance Morris got both the batters in the same over with Shafique out for 37 and Saim Ayub falling for 42. Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan were not out on 28 and 30 each as the target was achieved in the 27th over with 8 wickets in hand. 

Australian skipper Josh Inglis said, “Pretty disappointing to be honest, I think after the first three-quarters of the first game, we've been totally outplayed, the batters just didn't get the runs on the board in the last couple of games. Guys have their own way of batting, but it's important to put together runs, stay out there and take the innings deep, and get the results.”