Pakistan Claims a Convincing Nine-Wicket Win Against Australia in Adelaide

Pakistan made an emphatic comeback in the second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval, crushing the hosts by nine wickets and leveling the series. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to bowl first proved advantageous, as Pakistan fielded an unchanged lineup. Australia made a lone switch, bringing Josh Hazlewood in for Sean Abbott.

Australia’s innings opened with some promise, with Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matthew Short (19) finding early boundaries. However, Shaheen Afridi quickly dismantled their opening stand, taking both wickets within the first seven overs and restricting Australia to 41-2. Steve Smith, one of Australia’s key batters, joined Josh Inglis to stabilize the innings. Together, they built a 38-run partnership, but Haris Rauf’s relentless bowling saw Inglis dismissed for 18, further denting Australia’s momentum.

Haris’s next target was Marnus Labuschagne, whom he dismissed for just six, intensifying Australia’s troubles. Steve Smith played a valuable 35-run knock, hitting five boundaries and a six before falling to Mohammad Hasnain’s delivery. A brief partnership between Aaron Hardie (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16) offered some resistance, but Pakistan’s bowlers held firm.

Adam Zampa contributed a late 18-run cameo, edging Australia to a total of 163. Pakistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Haris Rauf, who took an impressive 5-29, while Shaheen Afridi supported with 3-26. Hasnain and Naseem Shah each claimed a wicket, leaving Australia struggling to build momentum.

Pakistan’s batsmen chased down the target with ease, securing a resounding nine-wicket win. With the series now tied, the stage is set for an exciting finale in Perth on November 10. After the ODI series, the teams will move on to a three-match T20 series, kicking off at The Gabba on November 14.