Green Shirts receive widespread praise for historic ODI series win against Australia

Pakistan's national cricket team has been hailed for its historic One-Day International (ODI) series victory over Australia, ending a 22-year wait for an ODI series win on Australian soil.

The series victory was celebrated across the country, with leaders from various sectors offering congratulations to the players and management for their outstanding performance.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his admiration for the team, calling the victory a significant achievement. In a statement released by the President Secretariat, Zardari praised the national squad for securing the ODI series win in Australia, marking the first such victory in 22 years.

He commended the team's exceptional performance and expressed confidence that the team would continue its winning momentum in future matches.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also celebrated the team's success, describing it as a moment of immense national pride.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office noted that the win, after more than two decades, was a result of the players' hard work and determination.

Sharif acknowledged the contributions of both the bowlers and batsmen and emphasized the collective effort of the entire team and its management.

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, congratulated the team for their remarkable victory and praised their all-round performance. "Defeating a strong team like Australia on their home ground is an accomplishment that has made the nation proud," Naqvi said. He credited the team’s success to their excellent fielding, bowling, and batting, which led to a comprehensive victory.

Pakistan's bowlers were in full control, restricting Australia to a modest total of 140 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were the standout performers, each taking three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain contributed crucial breakthroughs to dismantle Australia’s batting line-up.

"The efforts of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf were instrumental in dismissing Australia for such a low score," Naqvi added.

In reply, Pakistan’s openers, Abdullah Shafiq and Saim Ayub, put together a solid partnership, amassing 84 runs. Shafiq scored 37 off 53 balls, and Ayub made 42 off 52 deliveries. Despite a brief collapse, with both openers dismissed by Lance Morris, the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan ensured a comfortable chase.

Rizwan finished unbeaten on 30, while Babar Azam contributed 28 runs as Pakistan completed the chase inside 27 overs, winning by 8 wickets. The victory was a testament to the teamwork and discipline shown by the players throughout the match.

"Winning by 8 wickets reflects the great teamwork and unity displayed by the entire squad," Naqvi concluded, praising the team's discipline and commitment.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also joined in the congratulations, praising the bowlers for their stellar performances, especially Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pivotal role in the victory. He expressed hope that the team would continue to excel, keeping the nation proud with their passion and commitment to the game.

Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori also offered his congratulations, celebrating Pakistan's achievement of defeating Australia on their home ground. Tessori highlighted the team's remarkable performance in the third ODI, where Pakistan secured a comfortable 8-wicket win.