Pakistan defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the second ODI of the three-match series, leveling the series 1-1. The match, played in Adelaide, saw a dominant chase from Pakistan after a stellar bowling display earlier in the day.
Opening the innings for Pakistan, Abdullah Shafiq and Saeem Ayub led the charge. The first breakthrough for Pakistan came at 137 runs when Ayub was dismissed for 82 runs. His innings included 6 sixes and 5 fours. After his departure, Shafiq and Babar Azam continued the chase smoothly. Shafiq scored 64 runs, while Babar Azam remained not out on 15, ensuring the team crossed the line. Adam Zampa was the only Australian bowler to claim a wicket, giving away 44 runs.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first. Australia’s opening duo, Jack Fraser-McGeorge and Matthew Short, both fell early to Shaheen Shah Afridi. Fraser-McGeorge was dismissed for 13 runs, caught out, while Short was trapped LBW for a duck.
Australia’s middle order could not build any partnerships. Josh Inglis was the next to fall for 18 runs, becoming a victim of Haris Rauf. Mohammad Hasnain then struck, removing Steve Smith, who was caught behind for 35 runs. Aaron Hardy and Glenn Maxwell both fell to Haris Rauf, caught out. Mitchell Starc was dismissed by Naseem Shah, and Australian captain Pat Cummins became Rauf’s fifth victim. The final wicket fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 5 wickets for just 29 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi supported well with 3 wickets, giving away 26 runs. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah each took one wicket.
Pakistan’s all-round performance brought them back into the series, with the decider now set for the third ODI.
