The ODI series at Opus Stadium is slipping away from Australia as they were bowled out for just 140, leaving Pakistan with a target of 141 to secure the series win.
After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl, Australia took to the field on Sunday with hopes of defending their home ground. However, the “green shirts” wasted no time showcasing their bowling dominance, striking first by the 20th over.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Australia’s opener, managed just 7 runs off 9 balls before being caught out by Mohammad Rizwan off a delivery from Naseem Shah. Shortly after, Aaron Hardie, looking confident with 12 runs off 13 balls, was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi, with Salman Ali Agha making a solid catch. The score stood at 36 for 2.
Australia’s struggles continued, as they lost their third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wickets in quick succession at scores of 56, 72, 79, and 88. Batters J. English, M. Short, G. Maxwell, and M. Stoinis were sent back to the pavilion with scores of 7, 22, 0, and 8, respectively.
Australia’s seventh wicket fell with the team’s total at 118, as Adam Zampa was dismissed for 13 runs, another successful delivery from Naseem Shah. Sean Abbott, however, fought on and contributed 30 off 41 balls before losing his wicket, bringing the total to 140.
Australia’s innings ended at the same score, as Shaheen Afridi took out Lans Morris for zero, while Cooper Connolly retired out after a modest 7 off 16 balls.
