Australia’s ODI team has come under fire after being “outplayed” by Pakistan on Sunday afternoon.
The tourists recorded a comfortable eight-wicket victory, as well as their first series victory against the Aussies in Australia in 22 years.
Josh Inglis stepped up to take the reins from Pat Cummins, who was not present in the match, but his team collapsed under a barrage of bowling from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who took three wickets each.
In the absence of key stars Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc and Cummins, Australia failed to impress with the bat, settling at 140-9 in the first innings.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Inglis and Glenn Maxwell all failed to reach double figures, while Cooper Connolly was taken off injured after taking a blow to the hand from Mohammad Hasnain.
Australia suffered a series defeat to Pakistan on Sunday afternoon after losing their ODI clash by eight wickets.
Stand-in captain Josh Inglis said his team were “outclassed” by Pakistan after the “disappointing” defeat.
Pakistan achieved their first series victory against Australia on Australian soil in 22 years.
Australia have largely failed to live up to their potential during the three-match series, with captain Pat Cummins salvaging a win during the first ODI, before Haris Rauf burst through the Australian batting order to inspire Pakistan to victory in the second match.
“It was a pretty disappointing performance,” stand-in captain Inglis said after Sunday’s defeat.
“I think after the first three quarters of the game (of the series) we were totally outmatched. There aren’t enough runs on the board in games two and three.
He added: “It’s up to us to get through the tough periods. A really great experience captaining Australia, but a pretty disappointing series.”
“Pakistan have been absolutely fantastic, but I don’t remember seeing a series where Australia lacked so much intensity,” he wrote in X.
“I’m afraid bilateral series are on the decline.”
Speaking on Fox Cricket’s post-match analysis of the game, Vaughan said: “Let’s be honest, I don’t remember seeing an Australian batting lineup so exposed.”
“Three games in a row with a little bit of rhythm, a little bit of movement, they have been completely exposed.”
Journalist Daniel Cherny also stated: “This is a brain-dead cricket.”
He was followed by former England star Kevin Pietersen, who praised Pakistan after their excellent victory.
“Pakistan WON in Australia,” said the former England batsman.
‘This is why you HAVE to eliminate all the negative ‘noise’ and help talent showcase their skills.
‘Put politics aside and let the cricket speak!’
Other fans praised Pakistan for their exploits in Australia.
Until today, they had not won a series in Australia since 2002.
Several former players reacted to the result on social media, with Michael Vaughan criticizing Australia’s performance.
‘Aussie Aussie Aussie… Moye Moye Moye #PAKvsAUS,’ Mohamed Hafeez said on Twitter.
Former Pakistan coach Wasim Akram added: Congratulations Pakistan team…beating the world ODI champions in a series is a great achievement.
‘Having witnessed and commented on this series I feel honored.
‘This victory will give great confidence to the players, new captain Rizwan, the cricket board and most importantly, the fans. “It will greatly improve the image of Pakistan cricket.”
Despite their ODI woes, Australia still have some time to redeem themselves, and Pat Cummins’ side will now face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series before taking on India at the end of the month.
