AFP, Perth

Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first ODI series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday.

After bowling out the woeful world champions for a miserly 140 at Perth Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan’s team reached their target in the 27th over.

The impressive performance, aided by high-quality bowling from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, ensured a first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.

They lost a tense opening match in Melbourne by two wickets, but bounced back with an emphatic nine-wicket victory in Adelaide.

“It’s a special moment for me and the fans,” said captain Rizwan.

“I’ll give all the credit to the bowlers. Australia in Australia is not easy.

“But Saim and Abdullah have given us a couple of great starts, too,” he added.

“The fans love us regardless of whether we win or lose and I really appreciate that.”

The hosts rested Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood. and Mitchell Starc in Perth ahead of the Test series starting this month against India, and they were certainly missed.

Shafique and Ayub began aggressively and rode their luck, with little spark from the bowlers.

After Shafique and Ayub departed following a few dropped chances, Rizwan (30) and Babar Azam (28) kept calm to steer Pakistan home.

Rizwan won the toss and sent in Australia to bat, who were no match for Afridi (3-32), Shah (3-54) and Rauf (2-24).

It was a disappointing batting display from the six-time World Champions Australia, who were missing a host of regular starters, as Sean Abbott top-scored with 30 before getting bundled out in the 32nd over.

“It’s pretty disappointing, to be honest,” said skipper Josh Inglis.

“Not enough runs on the board in games two and three.”