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On Sunday, November 10, Pakistan defeated Australia in the third and final ODI by eight wickets to clinch the series by 2-1 margin at the Optus Stadium in Perth. While it was Pakistan’s first series win since 2002 in ODIs in Australia, the team put up a show on the back of their fast bowlers and opening batters.
During the series decider in Perth, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf displayed a confident celebration, similar to Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s style after dismissing Matthew Short. The moment came in the 14th over when Haris bowled a short-pitched delivery outside off stump. Short attempted a pull short but Irfan Khan, who was positioned at deep square leg, completed a clean catch.
Soon after taking the wicket, Haris performed a celebration similar to the star Indian all-rounder. Hardik Pandya had brought this celebration after dismissing Shadab Khan during their group stage game in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. Similarly, in the third ODI, Haris pulled off a similar celebration as he shrugged his shoulder.
Watch Haris Rauf bring in Hardik Pandya’s shoulder shrug celebration:
Speaking of the final ODI, Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The side after inviting the hosts to bat first, restricted them to 140 in 31.5 overs, courtesy three wickets each from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah and two wickets from Haris with Hasnain also picking a wicket to his name.
In response, the Pakistan openers in Saim Ayub (42 off 51) and Abdullah Shafique (37 off 53) stitched 84-run stand for the first wicket before they fell in quick succession. Thereafter, the experienced duo of Babar Azam (28* off 30) and Mohammad Rizwan (30* off 27) led the side to series win with eight wickets in hand. With this win, Pakistan registered their first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.
