LAHORE: Following Pakistan’s ODI series win over Australia, Mike Hesson paid a heartfelt tribute to outgoing batting coach Hanif Malik, praising his contribution to the team’s development and his positive influence on the white-ball system.
On Instagram, Hessen shared a photo with Hanif with the series-winning trophy and expressed his gratitude to the coach for his dedication, professionalism and commitment to the national side.
“Gonna miss this smile so much! Thank you Hanif for all the talent, passion and incredible work ethic you brought to the white-ball team. You are a great coach, a very genuine person and have a heart of gold. We wish you all the best in your next chapter,” Hessen wrote.
It is to be noted that Hanif Malik has been appointed as the batting coach of the Pakistan Men’s team by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in May 2025.
He previously served as the batting and fielding coach of Pakistan Shaheens for the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup in June 2023 and later as the fielding coach of the Pakistan Women’s National Team during the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup in 2024.
Meanwhile, Pakistan won their third consecutive ODI series against Australia with a four-wicket win in the deciding third match in Lahore.
The Men in Green first won the series 2-1 at home in 2022 and repeated the same result in Australia in 2025.
Pakistan sealed the latest series with a hard-fought victory in a low-scoring match as Australia were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs thanks to some fine bowling from Shaheen Shah Afridi and spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shatab Khan.
Australian captain Josh Inglis anchored the innings with a 71-ball 65 including 8 fours and a six. Marnus Labussagne and Alex Carey made significant contributions with 19 runs each.
Shaheen led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3/30 from eight overs. Abrar and Shadab took 2 wickets each and Haris Rauf one wicket.
In reply, Pakistan team recovered from the initial defeat and reached the target by losing 6 wickets in 41.5 overs. Abdul Samad and Shadab guided the hosts home with a composed partnership.
Although Babar Azam endured a relatively slow innings, he scored 40 off 84 balls, including three fours, for Pakistan. Mas Sadaq scored 27 runs off 26 balls with 5 fours.
Samad remained unbeaten on 18 off 30 balls while Shatab added a valuable 29 off 42 balls including 2 fours.
Matthew Kuhneman was Australia’s best bowler, returning 3/38 from his 10 overs. Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw took one wicket each.
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