Star pacer Haris Rauf delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets to bowl out Australia for a modest 163 in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Australia’s formidable lineup faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, folding in just 35 overs.
Australia’s new opening pair, Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19), struggled to provide a solid start, both falling to the sharp bowling of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who finished with impressive figures of 3/26.
Veteran Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis attempted to stabilize the innings, building a third-wicket stand of 38 runs. However, Rauf quickly ended the partnership by dismissing Inglis (18) in the 14th over. He struck again in his next over, removing Marnus Labuschagne for a scratchy six off 11 balls.
As Australia’s troubles mounted, Mohammad Hasnain further dented their progress by dismissing a well-set Smith, who top-scored with a gritty 35 off 48 balls, including six boundaries and a six. Australia was reduced to 101/5 in 20.5 overs.
Fueled by momentum, Rauf tore through the middle order, dismissing Aaron Hardie (13) and Glenn Maxwell (16) in quick succession, before completing his five-wicket haul by taking out Australian captain Pat Cummins (13).
Lower down the order, Adam Zampa contributed a useful 18-run cameo to push Australia’s total, but Shaheen cleaned him up to end the innings in the 35th over.
Rauf finished with outstanding figures of 5/29 in eight overs, supported by Shaheen with three wickets and Naseem Shah with two, while Hasnain took one.
With Australia leading the three-match series 1-0 following their hard-fought two-wicket win in the opening game, Pakistan’s impressive bowling in the second ODI has set up a thrilling chase.
