Pakistan Outclass Australia with a Record Nine-Wicket Victory in Adelaide
In an outstanding performance, Pakistan triumphed over Australia with a historic nine-wicket win in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. After winning the toss, Pakistan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan chose to bowl first and maintained the same playing XI that featured in the opening game. Australia, meanwhile, made a single substitution, with Josh Hazlewood stepping in for Sean Abbott.
Australia began cautiously, with Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19) finding their rhythm early on. The duo struck three boundaries each, but Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi quickly disrupted their momentum, dismissing both batters within seven overs, leaving Australia at 41-2. Steve Smith and Josh Inglis tried to steady the ship, forming a 38-run partnership, but Haris Rauf soon got Inglis caught behind, setting the stage for Australia’s downfall.
Haris continued to wreak havoc on Australia’s lineup by taking out Marnus Labuschagne for just six runs. Smith, who tried to play a composed knock, contributed 35 off 48 balls, including five boundaries and one towering six. However, he too fell, this time to Mohammad Hasnain, as Pakistan tightened their grip.
A late cameo by Adam Zampa (18) helped Australia reach 163 after Aaron Hardie (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16) tried to salvage the innings. The Australians suffered a swift collapse, slipping from 121-5 to 146-9 as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated. Haris Rauf spearheaded the attack with brilliant figures of 5-29, supported by Shaheen Afridi with 3-26. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah chipped in with a wicket each.
Pakistan’s batsmen then made light work of the target, sealing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory and leveling the three-match series. The two teams are set for a thrilling decider in the third ODI at Perth on November 10. Following the ODIs, Pakistan will face Australia in a T20 series beginning on November 14 at Brisbane’s Gabba.
