Perth: In a moment of reflection, Pakistan's seasoned bowler Haris Rauf selected his most memorable victory from the ten he had achieved throughout their historic 2-1 ODI series triumph over Australia.
After a 22-year absence, Pakistan experienced a remarkable resurgence, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 series victory.
While numerous individual achievements propelled Pakistan to this historic milestone, Rauf's performance stood out as unparalleled. His exceptional pace played a pivotal role in altering the series' dynamics.
Australia's leading players, renowned for their talent, found themselves at a disadvantage against Rauf's blistering speed. He pushed the boundaries of the speed gun in the three ODIs, securing the title of the leading wicket-taker.
Among the ten wickets he claimed in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, Glen Maxwell was bowled thrice by Rauf's extraordinary pace.
Even the most established Test players, including Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, were no match for the sheer velocity of the 31-year-old.
Reflecting on his most memorable victory, Maxwell ranks it at the top of his list, with Marnus Labuschagne closely following.
In a candid conversation with his teammate Shaheen Afridi, Rauf shared in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket on X, "My favorite victory was against Maxwell and then Marnus Labuschagne."
Throughout Pakistan's historic success in Australia, Rauf's number one was Maxwell. The venues and settings varied from Melbourne to Perth, yet Maxwell's narrative remained consistent.
The Pakistan speedster unleashed his fury, leaving Maxwell in a state of shock with his exceptional pace and the bounce of the ball.
"The strategy was not particularly elaborate. When you manage to dismiss such formidable batters, it boosts your confidence. Taking such crucial wickets garners more respect," Rauf remarked.
Following a series of disappointing results, Pakistan has been redeemed from its previous shortcomings, thanks to the recent victories.
With a 2-1 Test series win on their home ground, Pakistan achieved their first whitewash since February 2021. The team continued to make history under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan.
"As a team, we needed this win. Everyone is elated, and the team spirit is excellent," Rauf stated.
Concluding the ODI series, Pakistan will now shift their attention to the three T20Is against Australia, scheduled to begin on Thursday.
