Pakistan put up an excellent recovery to win over Australia by nine wickets in the second ODI played at the Adelaide Oval in South Australia, which is also the first Pakistan victory in Australia since 2017. Pakistan chased 164 under the leadership of fast bowler Haris Rauf with another good hand from the batsman Saim Ayub and they leveled the series at 1-1.
Australia lost all the wickets for 163 runs in just 38.1 overs while playing first. The shining light of bowling was Rauf as five wickets for 29 runs against Australia’s middle order. His tightness pace and accuracy were troubling the Australian batsmen while delivering a great delivery to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne. His overall massive contribution was embellished by Afridi, who took three wickets for 26 runs. With his magnificent six catches, Captain Mohammad Rizwan equaled the record for most ODI dismissals by a wicket-keeper.
Chasing a relatively low target, the openers of Pakistan Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique built an impressive partnership of 137 runs. Ayub scored 82 from 67 balls, showing flair with aggressive strokes and getting his maiden ODI half-century. Shafique was composed with 64 not out as Pakistan cruised to an easy victory within 26.3 overs.
The loss has thrown up quite a few question marks at the batting strategy, especially ahead of their Test matches that are around the corner. The rather early collapse and the inability to undo Pakistan’s tight bowling left them exposed. For Australia, the top score was only 35 by Steven Smith.
With the series levelled at one win apiece, it will be a decider on November 10 in Perth. Pakistan will look for momentum after this win, while Australia, missing some of their Test players, will hope new skipper Josh Inglis can deliver for them to win the series.
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