Adelaide
Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets to restrict Australia to a low total of 163 in the second ODI of the series at Adelaide Oval on Friday. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid off, with Rauf and Shaheen Afridi dismantling the Australian batting lineup.
Australia started with a modest 21-run opening partnership between Matthew Short (19) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (13). Shaheen Afridi made the first breakthrough, dismissing Fraser-McGurk. Steven Smith then provided some stability with his 35 runs off 48 balls, but he was the only Australian to surpass the 20-run mark. Other key players, including Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, failed to contribute significantly.
In the final overs, Adam Zampa tried to add valuable runs but was dismissed by Afridi, ending Australia’s innings with 15 overs remaining.
Rauf led the charge for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 5/29 in his eight overs, supported by Afridi’s 3/34. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah also took a wicket each, showcasing Pakistan’s rejuvenated bowling attack under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy.
Pakistan now needs 164 runs to level the series, following their narrow two-wicket loss in the first ODI.
