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Mohammad Rizwan's leadership has brought Pakistan a significant victory in the recent ODI series against Australia. After a narrow defeat in the first game, the team regrouped and secured wins in the second and third ODIs, ultimately claiming the series 2-1. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Rizwan as he became the second Pakistani captain to win a bilateral series in Australia, following in the footsteps of Waqar Younis who achieved this feat in 2002.
The success of the Pakistan team can be attributed to the impressive performance of their bowlers, especially the trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. These pacers combined for an impressive 17 wickets in the second and third matches, effectively limiting the Australian batting lineup and setting up comfortable wins for Pakistan. The Australian team struggled to cope with the pace and accuracy of the Pakistani bowling attack, failing to reach the 200-run mark in both games. This dominance by the bowlers proved crucial in ensuring Pakistan's triumph in the series.
This victory comes at a time of significant change within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan's white-ball captain for the second time in a year, leading to Rizwan taking on the leadership role. The team also saw a change in coaching, with Gary Kirsten resigning from his position as white-ball head coach. Jason Gillespie was appointed as an interim coach for the tour of Australia. The team's success under Rizwan's leadership is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the players as they navigate these transitions. The series win provides a boost for Pakistan's confidence as they prepare for future international challenges.