Haris, Shafique, Ayub take Pakistan to victory over Australia, level ODI series 1-1
1. Pakistan comfortably chase down modest 164-run target for loss of just one wicket
Pakistan's opening pair, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, along with pacer Haris Rauf, led their team to a dominant victory over Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
With this win, highlighted by Ayub's 82, Shafique's unbeaten 64, and Rauf's five-wicket haul, Pakistan leveled the series 1-1 and secured their first victory over Australia on Australian soil since 2017.
Pakistan comfortably chased down the modest target of 164 with 141 balls remaining, losing only one wicket along the way.
Openers Saim and Abdullah gave Pakistan a strong start, establishing a 137-run partnership. Saim, the main aggressor, fell just short of a well-deserved century, scoring a brisk 82 off 71 balls, which included five fours and six sixes. His partner Abdullah remained unbeaten, crafting a steady 64 off 69 deliveries with four fours and three sixes. Babar Azam provided support with a calm 15 not out from 20 balls. Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket for Australia, dismissing Saim.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Australia's strong batting lineup faltered against Pakistan's disciplined bowling, getting bowled out in 35 overs. Australia's openers, Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19), fell early to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recorded impressive figures of 3/26.
Steve Smith and Josh Inglis attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 38 runs for the third wicket before Haris struck in the 14th over, dismissing Inglis (18) and following up by removing Marnus Labuschagne (6) in his next over. Mohammad Hasnain then claimed the crucial wicket of Smith, who top-scored for Australia with a gritty 35 off 48 balls, which included six boundaries.
Haris continued his onslaught, taking two more wickets — Aaron Hardie (13) and Glenn Maxwell (16) — before completing his second ODI five-wicket haul by dismissing Australian captain Pat Cummins (13). Adam Zampa contributed a quick 18 at the end but was bowled by Shaheen in the 35th over.
Haris finished with impressive bowling figures of 5/29 in eight overs, supported by Shaheen's three wickets and Naseem Shah’s two, while Hasnain took one.
This nine-wicket win leveled the series for Pakistan, with the decider set for Sunday at Optus Stadium, Perth.
