Pakistan cruised to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval, leveling the series 1-1. Haris Rauf’s destructive spell and a brilliant half-century from Saim Ayub were the highlights of an all-round performance that outclassed the hosts in every department.
Chasing a modest target of 164 after Australia was bowled out for just 163, Pakistan needed only 26.3 overs to wrap up the win. Ayub, in just his second ODI, played a blistering knock of 82, punctuated by sixes off Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa. His 137-run opening stand with Abdullah Shafique (64*) put Pakistan firmly in control. Ayub was dismissed just 18 runs short of a maiden ODI century, but by then, the match was as good as over.
Australia’s batting had collapsed spectacularly earlier in the day, despite a fighting 35 from Steven Smith. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Rauf (5-29) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-26), had Australia reeling at 79-2 before dismissing them for 163. Rauf’s fiery spell, including a brilliant delivery to remove Marnus Labuschagne, helped him claim his second five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Pakistan’s fielding was also impressive, with Mohammad Rizwan equaling the ODI record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a match (six), although a late dropped chance prevented him from setting a new record.
Australia’s aggressive new-look opening pair failed to fire, with both Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short dismissed cheaply. Rauf’s pace and Afridi’s accuracy tore through the middle order, while Naseem Shah (1-65) and Mohammad Hasnain (1-27) also chipped in.
