Saim Ayub scored 42 runs and Abdullah Shafique added 37 as Pakistan secured a decisive eight-wicket victory, marking their first one-day series win in Australia in 22 years on Sunday.

After skittling the struggling world champions for just 140 runs at Perth Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan’s team chased down the target in the 27th over.

The team’s success was bolstered by outstanding bowling performances from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, leading to Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.

Despite a narrow two-wicket loss in the opening match in Melbourne, they rebounded with a convincing nine-wicket win in Adelaide.

“It’s a special moment for me and the fans,” said captain Rizwan. “I credit the bowlers for this achievement. Winning against Australia in Australia is no easy feat. But Saim and Abdullah have provided us with excellent starts as well.”

He added, “The fans support us regardless of the outcome, and I truly appreciate that.”

The Australian team rested key players Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc in Perth ahead of their Test series against India later this month, and their absence was felt.

Shafique and Ayub started aggressively and capitalized on some good fortune, as the Australian bowlers struggled to make an impact.

Ayub, who had scored 82 in Adelaide, benefited from two dropped catches by Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson while playing aggressively. Shafique was also dropped on 28 by Adam Zampa, as the pair reached the halfway mark of the chase without losing a wicket by the 14th over.

Australia finally made a breakthrough when Morris caught and bowled Shafique, then dismissed Ayub just five balls later. However, Rizwan (30) and Babar Azam (28) maintained their composure to guide the team to victory.