Harris Rauf, openers fire Pakistan to series levelling win against Australia

In the second ODI of the Pakistan tour of Australia 2024 at the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan bounced back from their narrow defeat in the series opener to register a convincing 9-wicket win over Australia, levelling the series 1-1.

Pakistan restricts Australia for 163

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Haris Rauf, dismantled Australia for 163 in 35 overs, setting up a straightforward chase.

Australia’s innings never gained momentum, with regular wickets disrupting their flow. Openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser McGurk managed brisk starts but fell quickly, scoring 19 off 15 and 13 off 10 respectively. Steve Smith attempted to stabilize the innings, top-scoring with a composed 35 off 48 balls, which included five fours and one six. However, the Australian middle order struggled to counter Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Marnus Labuschagne (6), Glenn Maxwell (16), and Aaron Hardie (14) couldn’t build significant partnerships, leaving Australia in trouble. The tail provided some resistance, with Adam Zampa contributing 18 off 21, but Australia were bowled out for a paltry total.

Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, delivering an impressive spell of 5/29 in his eight overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Shaheen Afridi provided a strong opening spell, claiming 3/26 in eight overs, while Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with one wicket. Although Naseem Shah was expensive, conceding 65 runs in his 10 overs, the combined efforts of the bowlers kept Australia under pressure throughout their innings.

Also READ: AUS vs PAK – Haris Rauf’s fiery spell destroys Australia batting in the second ODI

Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique guide Pakistan to an emphatic win

In response, Pakistan’s opening duo of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique took charge of the chase with remarkable poise and aggression. Ayub led the attack, smashing 82 off 71 balls, featuring five fours and six sixes, showcasing his flair and power-hitting. His partner, Abdullah Shafique, played an equally vital role, scoring 64 off 69 with four fours and three sixes, anchoring the innings beautifully. Together, they put on a 140-run opening stand, setting the foundation for a comfortable victory. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, came in to see his team home, scoring an unbeaten 15 off 20 balls, sealing the win with 9 wickets remaining.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs, with only Adam Zampa managing a solitary wicket, ending with 1/44 in 6.3 overs. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were unable to contain Pakistan’s openers, as the visitors chased down the target in just 26.3 overs.

“The most important thing for me is that the team won. We tried to be positive, the most important thing is how we played as a team. It’s about watching the ball and trying to be positive. I just trusted myself,” Ayub said in the post-match presentation.

“Victory always gives you confidence. We are committed to our team values and we are enjoying each other’s company. Being in the present moment is the most important thing. Our bowling unit was magnificent. Credit goes to Haris Rauf but the other bowlers also supported him well.”

NO LOOK INTERVIEW !😭 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FNbXijIRcV

— Hesy Rock (@Hesy_R0ck) November 8, 2024

With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will look to gain the upper hand in the third and final ODI on November 10 at Perth Stadium. This emphatic victory has set up an exciting decider, as Pakistan will aim to carry this momentum, while Australia will regroup and seek to reclaim their dominance on home soil.

Today against Australia 🇦🇺 Pakistan 🇵🇰 played an excellent cricket, both bowling and batting department “preformed at par” . Harris Rauf&Saim Ayuob were the Stars of today’s cricket match. All the best for the finals 👍🇵🇰✌️#PAKvAUS #Cricket pic.twitter.com/rXif0Ewt8H

— Faraz Chaudhry (@Faraz999) November 8, 2024

Also READ: AUS vs PAK – Mohammad Rizwan equals Sarfaraz Ahmed, Adam Gilchrist’s historic record in the 2nd ODI