Haris Rauf and Openers Lead Pakistan to Crushing Win Over Australia

A match-defining spell from Haris Rauf (5-29) and a fluent 137-run opening stand between Saim Ayub (82) and Abdullah Shafique (64*) powered Pakistan to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval. This victory marked Pakistan’s first win in Australia since 2017 and leveled the series at 1-1.

The game was set up by Pakistan’s pacers, with Rauf leading the charge alongside Shaheen Afridi (3-26). Australia was bowled out for a meagre total of 163 in just 35 overs. After such a low total, it was always a matter of how quickly Pakistan could chase down the target. Ayub and Shafique ensured there were no major hiccups in the chase, with Ayub falling just short of a century.

Although the pitch seemed to ease out during the second innings, there was still some movement early on, which Pakistan’s openers tackled effectively. Ayub initially played with caution before unleashing his trademark shots, including some powerful pick-up strokes on both sides of the wicket. Shafique, playing a more orthodox role, provided solid support as the two dominated Australia’s bowlers. Ayub struck Pat Cummins for a six, and Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa were also dispatched for multiple boundaries.

Ayub’s 82 came off just 71 balls, and though he was dismissed before reaching three figures, his aggressive knock effectively sealed the win for Pakistan. Babar Azam joined Shafique to see the chase through, and Pakistan crossed the line with 23 overs to spare.

Earlier, Australia’s batting crumbled under the pressure of Pakistan’s relentless pace attack. The hosts got off to a solid start with Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, but once the openers were dismissed, the Australian batting order collapsed. Steve Smith (35) was the only batter to get into the 20s. Rauf’s introduction to the attack proved pivotal, as he dismissed key players including Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis.

Pakistan's bowlers continued their dominance, with Rauf’s second spell accounting for Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie. Despite some late resistance from Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa, Australia could not recover and were bowled out for 163.

Pakistan's wicketkeeper, Mohammad Rizwan, was in fine form behind the stumps, collecting six catches. His performance helped Pakistan continue their strong showing in the series.

Brief scores:

• Australia: 163 all out in 35 overs (Steve Smith 35; Haris Rauf 5-29, Shaheen Afridi 3-26)
• Pakistan: 169/1 in 26.3 overs (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64*) by nine wickets.

The series decider will be played on Sunday (November 10) in Perth.