In the second ODI Pakistan tour to Australia 2024 At the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan bounced back from a narrow defeat in the series opener to level the series 1-1 with a convincing 9-wicket victory over Australia.
Pakistan restrict Australia to 163
Pakistan’s bowling unit, led by Haris Rauf, preferred to bowl first after winning the toss, setting up a simple chase, posting 163 in 35 overs.
Australia’s innings never gained momentum, with regular wickets disrupting their flow. Openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser McGurk managed fast starts but fell quickly, hitting 19-15 and 13 from 10 respectively. Steve Smith tried to stabilize the innings with a top score of 48 off 35 balls that included five fours and a six. However, the Australian middle-order found it difficult to counter Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Marnus Labuschagne (6), Glenn Maxwell (16) and Aaron Hardie (14) failed to build significant partnerships and left Australia in trouble. The tail put up some resistance, with Adam Zampa contributing 18 off 21, but Australia were bowled out for a meager total.
Haris Rauf was outstanding for Pakistan, with an impressive spell of 5/29 in eight overs, earning him the Man of the Match award. Shaheen Afridi delivered a strong opening spell, claiming 3/26 in eight overs, while Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with one wicket. Although Naseem Shah was expensive, conceding 65 runs in 10 overs, the combined efforts of the bowlers kept Australia under pressure throughout the innings.
Also Read: AUS vs PAK – Haris Rauf’s fiery spell destroys Australian batting in second ODI
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique lead Pakistan to a strong victory
In reply, Pakistan’s opening duo of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique took on the chase with remarkable poise and aggression. Ayub led the charge, smashing 82 off 71 balls, with five fours and six sixes, showcasing his talent and powerful batting. His partner Abdullah Shafique played an equally important role, hitting 69 off 64 with four fours and three sixes to cap off the innings nicely. Together, they put up a 140-run opening stand, laying the foundation for a comfortable victory. Pakistan captain Babar Azam came to see his team home, scoring an unbeaten 15 off 20 balls and sealing the victory with 9 wickets to spare.
Australia’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs, with only Adam Zampa managing a single wicket and finishing with 1/44 in 6.3 overs. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc failed to contain Pakistan’s openers. The visitors chased down the target in just 26.3 overs.
“The most important thing for me is that the team wins. We tried to be positive, the most important thing is how we play as a team. It’s about watching the ball and trying to be positive. I just trusted myself.” Ayub said in the post-game presentation.
“Victory always gives you confidence. We are committed to our team values and enjoy each other’s company. Being in the present moment is the most important thing. Our bowling section was awesome. Credit goes to Haris Rauf but the other bowlers also supported him well.
WATCHING THE INTERVIEW !😭 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FNbXijIRcV
— Hesy Rock (@Hesy_R0ck) November 8, 2024
With the series level at 1-1, both teams will look to gain an upper hand in the third and final ODI at the Perth Stadium on November 10. This emphatic win made for an exciting decider as Pakistan will aim to continue the momentum, while Australia will regroup and look to regain their advantage on home soil.
Today against Australia 🇦🇺 Pakistan 🇵🇰 played excellent cricket, both bowling and batting department “prepared in advance” . Harris Rauf and Saim Ayuob were the Stars of today’s cricket match. Good luck in the final 👍🇵🇰✌️#PAKvAUS #cricket pic.twitter.com/rXif0Ewt8H
– Faraz Chaudhry (@Faraz999) November 8, 2024
