Haris Rauf’s Fiery Five-for Bundles Australia Out for 163
Smith offered some resistance, striking a six off Mohammad Hasnain, yet narrowly escaped dismissal when Saim Ayub missed a chance at point. However, Rauf soon took control. Josh Inglis gloved a pull down the leg side, and Labuschagne fell to a beautiful delivery that forced an edge to Rizwan.
Haris Rauf delivered a thrilling performance, taking 5 for 29 to bowl Australia out for 163 in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. This impressive bowling display has put Pakistan in a strong position to level the series. Rauf’s explosive pace proved too much for Australia’s middle order, with his standout delivery dismissing Marnus Labuschagne with a perfect line and length. This marked Rauf’s second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket, supported by captain Mohammad Rizwan, who took six catches to equal the world record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an ODI.
Australia’s batters struggled on a grassy pitch, although it wasn’t particularly treacherous. Steven Smith top-scored with 35, but Australia’s batting line-up couldn’t withstand the intense pace from Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took 3 for 26. Australia’s opening pair, Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, fell early once again. Fraser-McGurk initially looked promising with three boundaries in quick succession, but he was soon trapped lbw by Afridi. Short was fortunate to survive an early drop by Afridi, only to be dismissed shortly after when Babar Azam took a sharp catch off Shaheen’s bowling.
Smith offered some resistance, striking a six off Mohammad Hasnain, yet narrowly escaped dismissal when Saim Ayub missed a chance at point. However, Rauf soon took control. Josh Inglis gloved a pull down the leg side, and Labuschagne fell to a beautiful delivery that forced an edge to Rizwan. Aaron Hardie and Glenn Maxwell followed in quick succession, as Rauf continued to dominate the middle order.
Mohammad Hasnain took the critical wicket of Smith, who top-edged a cut shot after surviving a close lbw call. Naseem Shah claimed Mitchell Starc’s wicket, and Rauf secured his fifth with a top edge from Pat Cummins. Although Rizwan missed a chance to claim the record with a dropped catch from Adam Zampa, Australia ended their innings with just 163. Zampa managed a late six before being dismissed by Afridi, but Pakistan will now look to capitalize on their bowlers’ efforts to tie the series.
