Pakistan Levels ODI Series 1-1 with Australia Thanks to Haris, Shafique, Ayub
Pakistan’s opening pair, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, along with pacer Haris Rauf, starred in a dominant win over Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series at Adelaide Oval on Friday. This victory, fueled by Ayub’s 82, Shafique’s unbeaten 64, and Rauf’s five-wicket haul, leveled the series 1-1 and marked Pakistan’s first win on Australian soil since 2017.
Pakistan comfortably chased down the modest 164-run target, losing only one wicket with 141 balls to spare. The openers set the tone with a solid 137-run partnership, with Saim Ayub leading the charge. He scored a quick-fire 82 off 71 balls, including five fours and six sixes, before falling 18 runs shy of his maiden half-century. Shafique remained steady at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 64 off 69 balls, with four fours and three sixes. Babar Azam also contributed with an unbroken 15 off 20 balls.
For Australia, Adam Zampa was the sole wicket-taker, dismissing Ayub. Australia, batting first, struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, being dismissed for just 164 in 35 overs. The opening pair of Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19) once again failed to provide a solid start, both falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who finished with excellent figures of 3/26.
Steve Smith and Josh Inglis tried to rebuild, but Haris Rauf dismissed Inglis (18) and followed up by removing Marnus Labuschagne for just six. Mohammad Hasnain then bowled out Smith for 35, leaving Australia at 101/5 in the 21st over. Haris continued his momentum, taking the wickets of Aaron Hardie (13) and Glenn Maxwell (16), before completing his five-wicket haul by removing Pat Cummins (13).
Adam Zampa added a late cameo of 18, but Australia was all out for 164. Haris finished with brilliant figures of 5/29 from eight overs, while Shaheen and Naseem Shah claimed three and two wickets respectively, and Hasnain took one. The nine-wicket win leveled the series, with the final ODI set for Sunday at Optus Stadium in Perth.
