Seamer Haris Rauf’s breathtaking spell and batter Saim Ayub’s quickfire innings propelled Pakistan to a crushing nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI, levelling the series at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
With this win in Adelaide, the Men in Green have tied the series 1-1. The final ODI match on Sunday will serve as the series decider.
Friday’s victory was historic, as it marked Pakistan’s first win in Adelaide against Australia since 1996.
From the very beginning, Pakistan looked in control. Mohammad Rizwan’s side dominated the Aussies with the combined efforts of Rauf and Ayub.
In the first innings, Rauf delivered a spectacular spell, bundling out the Australian batting lineup for just 163. During the run chase, Ayub’s explosive knock helped Pakistan reach the target with 23 overs to spare.
Saim Ayub scored 82 runs off 71 balls, hitting 5 fours and 6 sixes, while Abdullah Shafique contributed an unbeaten 64 off 69 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. The openers built a 137-run partnership, setting the stage for a comfortable win for the visitors.
The two openers kept the pressure on Australia’s bowlers without difficulty. In the 21st over, Adam Zampa provided the first breakthrough, but it was too late for the hosts to mount a comeback.
Babar Azam (15 runs off 20 balls, 1 six) replaced Ayub at the crease and built a 32-run partnership with Shafique. With just one run needed, Babar sealed the game in style, hitting a six over mid-wicket to complete the nine-wicket victory.
Haris Rauf was named Player of the Match for his exceptional performance.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid off, as they successfully restricted Australia to 163.
Matthew Short (19 runs off 15 balls, 3 fours) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (13 runs off 10 balls, 3 fours) opened for the Aussies but could only manage a 21-run partnership before Shaheen Afridi dismissed Fraser-McGurk.
Steven Smith (35 runs off 48 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) was the top scorer for the hosts. Besides Smith, no other Australian batsman managed to score more than 20 runs.
Australia’s batting struggled in the first innings, with key players like Josh Inglis (18 runs off 25 balls, 2 fours), Marnus Labuschagne (6 runs off 11 balls), and Glenn Maxwell (16 runs off 21 balls, 1 six) failing to make a significant impact.
Adam Zampa (18 runs off 21 balls, 1 four, 1 six) added some late runs but was soon dismissed by Shaheen Afridi.
Australia’s innings ended at 163, with 15 overs remaining.
The Pakistan bowling attack excelled under Rizwan’s captaincy. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking five wickets for 29 runs in his 8-over spell. Shaheen Afridi, who had been struggling with form recently, picked up three wickets in his eight overs. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah each claimed one wicket in their respective spells.
Brief score: Australia 163 (Steven Smith 35, Adam Zampa 18; Haris Rauf 5/29) vs Pakistan 169/1 (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64; Adam Zampa 1/44).