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.
The win sets up a series decider in Perth on Sunday, where Australia will be without their Test players, who are preparing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Josh Inglis will lead the team in the last one-day which will be his first ODI as captain.
For Pakistan, it was a comprehensive performance that set the stage for an exciting final clash in Perth.
Scorecard – 2nd ODI, Pakistan vs Australia, Adelaide Oval, November 8, 2024
Australia 163 (35 overs)
– Steven Smith: 35
– Matthew Short: 19
– Josh Inglis: 18
Bowling
– Haris Rauf: 5/29
– Shaheen Shah Afridi: 3/26
– Mohammad Hasnain: 1/27
Pakistan (169/1, 26.3 overs)
– Saim Ayub: 82
– Abdullah Shafique: 64*
– Babar Azam: 15
Bowling
– Adam Zampa: 1/44
