Pakistan’s opening duo of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, along with pacer Haris Rauf, outshone Australia to secure a dominant victory in the second ODI of the three-match series at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
This win, powered by Ayub’s 82, Shafique’s unbeaten 64, and Rauf’s remarkable five-wicket haul, leveled the series 1-1 and marked Pakistan’s first victory over Australia on their home ground since 2017.
Pakistan easily chased down the modest 164-run target, losing just one wicket and with 141 balls to spare.
The openers gave Pakistan a flying start, forming a solid 137-run partnership. Ayub, the aggressor in the stand, was dismissed for 82 off 71 balls, which included five fours and six sixes. Shafique remained unbeaten on 64 off 69 balls, supported by Babar Azam’s steady 15 not out from 20 balls.
For Australia, Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket, that of Ayub.
Earlier, Australia’s strong batting lineup faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and was bundled out for 163 in just 35 overs. New opening pair Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19) again failed to provide a stable start, falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who finished with impressive figures of 3/26.
Steve Smith (35) and Josh Inglis (18) added a brief recovery partnership, but Haris Rauf dismissed both, and Mohammad Hasnain removed Smith. Australia struggled further as Haris claimed two more wickets in successive overs, including that of Glenn Maxwell (16) and captain Pat Cummins (13).
Adam Zampa chipped in with a late cameo of 18, but Shaheen wrapped up the innings by dismissing him. Haris Rauf finished with standout figures of 5/29, supported by Shaheen (3/26), Naseem Shah (2/33), and Hasnain (1/30).
The nine-wicket win leveled the series at 1-1, with the final ODI set for Sunday at Optus Stadium in Perth.
