The Rivalry Revisited
The cricketing rivalry between the Australian men’s cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team is rich with history, emotion, and unforgettable moments. From Test cricket classics to last-ball thrillers in limited-overs formats, every match between these two sides brings global attention. The late 2024 tour was no different. After a tough Test series where Australia swept 3–0, Pakistan returned stronger in the white-ball games. The ODIs and T20Is that followed were gripping, dramatic, and filled with moments worth remembering.
Toss and Lineups
Throughout the ODI series, Australia experimented with their squad, giving rest to some senior players while testing their bench strength. Pat Cummins led the side in phases, while players like Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa were given key roles. Pakistan, under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership, fielded a more settled XI featuring names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf. Each match felt like a battle of intent—between Australia’s depth and Pakistan’s resurgence.
1st ODI – A Tight Opening Battle
The first ODI kicked off in Melbourne and set the tone for the series. Australia and Pakistan went toe-to-toe, and the match saw plenty of swings in momentum. While both sides had their moments, it was Australia who held their nerve in the end, edging out a narrow win. The match wasn’t high-scoring, but it was full of intensity. Pakistan’s bowlers tested Australia’s middle order, but the hosts managed to chase down the target with just two wickets in hand.
2nd ODI – Pakistan Levels the Series
The second ODI, held in Adelaide, was a masterclass from the Pakistani pace attack. Australia were bundled out for just 163 runs, with Shaheen Afridi putting on a sensational performance by taking five wickets. Haris Rauf supported him well, grabbing three crucial wickets and applying pressure throughout. Pakistan’s chase was calm and calculated. Saim Ayub led the way with an elegant 82, while Abdullah Shafique added a steady 37. Pakistan sealed the win by nine wickets, leveling the series and boosting morale.
3rd ODI – Pakistan Seals the Series
In Perth, Pakistan delivered a performance to remember. Australia struggled to build partnerships and were dismissed for a mere 140 runs. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah were on fire, sharing six wickets between them and breaking Australia’s batting backbone early. Chasing 141, Pakistan’s openers once again dominated. Ayub and Shafique replicated their earlier success, guiding their team home with eight wickets to spare. It was a statement win and marked Pakistan’s first ODI series victory in Australia since 2002.
ODI Series Snapshot
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1st ODI: Australia won by 2 wickets
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2nd ODI: Pakistan won by 9 wickets
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3rd ODI: Pakistan won by 8 wickets
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Series Result: Pakistan won the series 2–1
Haris Rauf’s consistency throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series title, as he took 10 wickets and led the attack with skill and aggression.
T20 Series – Australia Fights Back
After the ODI disappointment, Australia returned to the T20 format with renewed energy. The T20 series, consisting of three matches, saw Australia dominate all aspects of the game. They won the series 3–0, showcasing explosive batting, clinical bowling, and strategic execution.
1st T20I – Rain and Runs
The first T20 match in Brisbane was shortened due to rain, and each team was given only seven overs to make their case. Australia made the most of their limited opportunity, scoring 93 runs in 7 overs. Glenn Maxwell played a powerful innings, smashing 43 off just 19 balls, while Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a quickfire 21 not out. In reply, Pakistan faltered badly, losing early wickets and finishing on just 64 for 9. Australia won by 29 runs, grabbing momentum early.
2nd T20I – Momentum Maintained
In the second T20I in Sydney, Australia continued to assert dominance. While the full scorecard wasn’t widely reported, the key takeaway was Australia’s strong all-round performance. They batted deep, bowled with control, and used the home conditions to their advantage. Pakistan’s batters looked out of rhythm, and the Aussies took a 2–0 series lead with confidence.
3rd T20I – A Complete Sweep
Hobart witnessed a brilliant finish from Australia. Pakistan was bowled out for 117 runs, struggling against pace and spin alike. In reply, Marcus Stoinis played one of the most aggressive innings of the series, smashing 61 not out off just 27 balls. His knock helped Australia chase down the total in just 11.2 overs. The 3–0 T20 series sweep underlined Australia’s depth and flair in the shortest format.
T20 Series Summary
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1st T20I: Australia won by 29 runs
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2nd T20I: Australia won convincingly
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3rd T20I: Australia won by 7 wickets
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Series Result: Australia won the series 3–0
While the series was thrilling, it was slightly marred by Glenn Maxwell’s hamstring injury in the final match. His absence could be felt in upcoming fixtures, but Australia’s bench strength offers optimism.
Scorecard Highlights – ODI Matches
2nd ODI (Adelaide)
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Australia: 163 all out
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Top Scorer: Matthew Short – 19
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Pakistan Bowling:
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Shaheen Afridi – 5 wickets
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Haris Rauf – 3 wickets
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Pakistan: 169/1 in 26.2 overs
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Saim Ayub – 82
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Abdullah Shafique – 37
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3rd ODI (Perth)
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Australia: 140 all out
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Pakistan Bowling:
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Haris Rauf – 3 wickets
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Naseem Shah – 3 wickets
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Pakistan: 143/2 in 27 overs
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Saim Ayub – 42
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Shafique – 37
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Key Performers Across the Series
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Batting: Saim Ayub was consistent and elegant, scoring runs with ease at the top of the order. Marcus Stoinis stood out for Australia in the T20s, especially with his quickfire fifty in Hobart.
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Bowling: Haris Rauf dominated the ODI series, constantly troubling the Australian top and middle order. In T20s, Ellis and Bartlett delivered superb spells that kept Pakistan under pressure.
What It Means for Both Teams
For Pakistan, the ODI series win in Australia is monumental. It signals the rise of a promising generation of pacers and shows that their batting can be both aggressive and composed under pressure. Winning in Australian conditions is never easy, and this series win will inspire confidence heading into future tournaments.
For Australia, the T20 series sweep was a much-needed response. It reminded everyone of their deep pool of talent and ability to bounce back. The experiment of resting key players in the ODIs may have backfired slightly, but the broader goal of squad rotation was clear. However, areas like top-order consistency and finishing ability in ODIs need to be reviewed.
Final Thoughts
The Australia vs Pakistan tour in late 2024 delivered exactly what cricket fans hope for—high-quality action, unpredictable outcomes, and standout individual performances. From the fiery pace of Rauf to the calm finishing of Stoinis, the matches were a blend of power, strategy, and heart.
This rivalry never disappoints. Whether it’s a gritty 160-run defense or a chase completed in under 12 overs, both teams gave it their all. And for fans across both nations, this tour added memories that will be cherished for years.
FAQs
Who was the top scorer in the series?
Saim Ayub emerged as the top scorer for Pakistan in ODIs, while Marcus Stoinis led Australia’s runs tally in the T20s.
What were the final scores?
Australia scored 163 and 140 in the 2nd and 3rd ODIs respectively. Pakistan chased both totals with ease.
Who took the most wickets?
Haris Rauf dominated the ODI series with 10 wickets across three games.
When and where were the matches played?
The ODIs were played in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. The T20s were hosted in Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart.
Has Pakistan beaten Australia in Australia before in ODIs?
Yes, but it had been over two decades. This was their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.
