Pakistan’s opening duo of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, along with pacer Haris Rauf, outshone Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series at Adelaide Oval on Friday, guiding their team to a resounding victory.
Ayub’s 82, Shafique’s unbeaten 64, and Rauf’s stellar five-wicket haul were the key contributions in Pakistan’s dominant performance, securing a 1-1 series draw. This victory marked Pakistan’s first win over Australia on Australian soil since 2017.
Pakistan successfully chased down the modest target of 164 runs with 141 balls to spare, losing just one wicket. Openers Ayub and Shafique set the tone for the chase with an impressive 137-run partnership.
- Saim Ayub top-scored for Pakistan with a quick-fire 82 off 71 balls, including five fours and six sixes. He was dismissed just 18 runs shy of his maiden half-century.
- Abdullah Shafique, the more composed of the two, carried his bat through the innings to finish with an unbeaten 64 off 69 balls, including four fours and three sixes.
Shafique was ably supported by Babar Azam, who contributed a steady 15 not out off 20 balls.
For Australia, Adam Zampa was the lone wicket-taker, claiming Ayub’s wicket.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers had put Australia under pressure after they opted to bat first. Australia’s strong batting lineup struggled to deal with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and was bowled out for just 163 in 35 overs.
- The new opening pair of Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19) failed to provide Australia with a solid foundation, both falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recorded excellent figures of 3/26.
- Steve Smith (35 off 48 balls) and Josh Inglis (18) tried to repair the innings, but Haris Rauf continued to shine, dismissing Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne (6) in quick succession.
- Mohammad Hasnain further piled on the pressure by removing Smith, reducing Australia to 101/5 in the 21st over.
Rauf, riding on momentum, claimed three more wickets—Aaron Hardie (13), Glenn Maxwell (16), and Pat Cummins (13)—to finish with remarkable figures of 5/29 from eight overs.
- Shaheen and Naseem Shah also made valuable contributions with the ball, picking up three and two wickets, respectively, while Hasnain claimed one wicket.
The Australian tail offered little resistance, with Adam Zampa adding a late cameo of 18 runs before being bowled out by Shaheen.
Pakistan’s comprehensive nine-wicket victory has leveled the series, with the decider set to take place on Sunday at Optus Stadium, Perth.
