Pakistan level the ODI series in style after a poor show by Aussie batters
Pakistan levelled the ODI series, securing a convincing 9-wicket win over Australia in the second match. Australia, batting first, scored 163 runs, which Pakistan chased down with ease, reaching 169 for 1 in 26.3 overs. Pakistan's bowling attack was impressive, leading to their first win in Adelaide in 28 years. In this match, Pakistan's wicketkeeper and captain, Mohammad Rizwan, equalled a world record by taking six catches.
Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl, putting Australia to bat on the Adelaide pitch. The Australian batters struggled to handle Pakistan's pace bowlers, especially Haris Rauf, who troubled them significantly. Rauf took three wickets with the new ball and returned later to take two more with the old ball, ending with figures of 5 wickets for 29 runs. Shaheen Afridi also made an impact, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs, dismissing both Australian openers early.
Australian batters found no comfort against Pakistan’s bowling, with only Steve Smith managing some resistance, scoring 35 runs off 48 balls, including five fours and a six. Other Australian batsmen, like Matthew Short (19), Josh Inglis (18), Marnus Labuschagne (6), Glenn Maxwell (16), and Pat Cummins (13), failed to make notable contributions. As a result, Australia lost wickets consistently and was bowled out in just 35 overs. Among Pakistan's other bowlers, Mohammad Hasnain took 1 wicket for 27 runs, while Naseem Shah had a tough day, conceding 65 runs in 10 overs with just one wicket.
It was however more of a case of a majority of the Aussie batters playing loose shots rather than the brilliance of Pakistani pace attack. The Pakistani quicks bowled in the right areas but the Aussie batters showed no inclination to grind for a big score .
Chasing a target of 164, Pakistan faced no major hurdles. The opening partnership between Siam Ayub and Abdullah Shafique set a solid foundation with a 137-run stand. Ayub scored a brisk 82 off 71 balls, hitting 5 fours and 6 sixes, before getting out. Shafique remained unbeaten, scoring 64 off 69 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Captain Babar Azam contributed an unbeaten 15 off 20 balls. Zampa took Australia’s only wicket, conceding 44 runs.
With this win, Pakistan tied the series 1-1. The final match of the ODI series will take place on November 10 in Perth, where the series winner will be decided. After the ODI series, Australia and Pakistan will also face off in a three-match T20 series.
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