Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Australia by nine wickets in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval. Haris Rauf’s sensational 5/29 and Saim Ayub’s electrifying 82 off 71 balls propelled the visitors to their first win over Australia in Australia since 2017.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s pace attack capitalized on the green-tinged pitch. Rauf led the charge, ably supported by Shaheen Afridi (3/26). Despite a brisk start from Australia’s openers, the hosts collapsed to 163 all out in 35 overs. Steve Smith (35) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting effort.
Australia began promisingly, racing to 20/0 in two overs. However, Afridi’s inswinger dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Naseem Shah’s disciplined bowling tightened the screws. Rauf’s entry turned the game decisively; his relentless pace and accuracy removed key batters, including Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne, leaving Australia reeling.
In reply, Pakistan’s opening duo of Ayub and Abdullah Shafique (64* off 81) ensured there were no jitters in the chase. Ayub’s audacious strokeplay included sixes off Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa, as he dominated the Australian attack. Although he fell short of a maiden ODI ton, his 137-run opening stand with Shafique effectively sealed the game. Babar Azam then joined Shafique to complete the chase in just 26.3 overs, with more than 23 overs to spare.
The series is now poised for an exciting finale in Perth on November 10.
Key Performances:
- Haris Rauf: 10 overs, 5/29 (Match-defining spell)
- Shaheen Afridi: 8 overs, 3/26
- Saim Ayub: 82 (71 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes)
- Abdullah Shafique: 64* (81 balls, 6 fours)
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 163 all out in 35 overs (Steve Smith 35; Haris Rauf 5/29, Shaheen Afridi 3/26)
- Pakistan: 169/1 in 26.3 overs (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64*)
- Result: Pakistan won by nine wickets
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