The cricket fraternity and politicians congratulated the Pakistan men’s side for its victory over Australia on Sunday.
Pakistan thrashed Australia in an eight-wicket victory, bringing up their first men’s one-day international (ODI) series win in Australia after 22 years.
After bowling out the woeful world champions for a miserly 140 at Perth Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan’s team reached their target with ease in the 27th over.
The impressive performance, aided by high-quality bowling from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, ensured a first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called it a “memorable” series win.
“By defeating a strong team like Australia at their home ground, the players made the nation proud,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
Several politicians took to social media platform X to congratulate the team on its win.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the victory “the result of unity and teamwork of our brilliant players; as well as efforts of coaching staff and the PCB under the able leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.”
President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the team in a statement from the President House for winning the ODI series against Australia.
“Congratulations to the Pakistan Cricket Team for winning the ODI series in Australia after 22 years,” the statement read. “Pakistan cricket team has performed well … [and] the entire team deserves to be congratulated for this outstanding performance.”
“It is hoped that the Pakistan Cricket Team will achieve more success in the future too,” said the statement.
Senator Sherry Rehman emphasised that fast bowlers played a “pivotal role in the team’s success with their outstanding performance.
“The players’ spirit and teamwork have made the nation proud. I hope the team will continue this winning streak in the future as well. Best wishes to them.”
Former human rights minister Shireen Mizari also congratulated the team on a “superb series win against Australia in Australia”.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori noted that defeating a historically strong team on home turf was a “clear indication of the capabilities of the national cricket team.”
Former cricketers also meted out praise for the Green Shirts.
Test Captain Shan Masood termed the win a “proper display of character, coming back from a game down to win the series.”
Ex-cricketer Shahid Afridi congratulated the team with a post on X.
English cricketer Kevin Pietersen urged Pakistan to “put the politics aside and let the cricket do the talking.”
Former captain Wasim Akram said he was honoured to have witnessed and commentated on the series, calling Pakistan’s win a “big achievement”.
“Congratulations Team Pakistan …beating World ODI Champions in a series is a big achievement. Having witnessed and commentating on this series I feel honoured.
“This win will give huge confidence to the players, to the new captain Rizwan, cricket board and, most importantly, to the fans. It will lift Pakistan’s cricket image hugely.”
Cricketer Shadab Khan commended the team’s “brilliant bowling, brilliant planning”.
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers highlighted recent wins for touring teams against the home side, including New Zealand’s win in India, South Africa’s win in Bangladesh, and India’s win in South Africa.
Cricket presenter Zainab Abbas said it was “nice to see the Pakistan boys winning with quality pace bowling, an area that Pakistan has always prided themselves on.”
Header Image: The Pakistani team celebrates after winning the series in Perth, Australia on November 10. — Photo courtesy X/@TheRealPCB
Additional reporting from Nadir Guramani.
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