Pakistan win second ODI against Australia in emphatic fashion

ADELAIDE: Pakistan defeated Australia by nine wickets in the second ODI on Friday, as the men in green dominated the Aussies in both bowling and batting.

After an incredible bowling performance by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, in which they took five and three wickets respectively, Australia were left to defend their lowest total ever against Pakistan in ODI’s. With a target of 164 runs, Pakistan’s Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique came down to the pitch.

Ayub began to dominate immediately, bringing up his maiden half century on the 52nd ball he faced. It was the Pakistani batter’s second ever ODI, after the first match of the series against Australia on November 4, in which he was dismissed for just one run. Ayub survived a close call in the 15th over, as Adam Zampa dropped a catch. He brought up his 50 a few balls later.

Australia score lowest ever score against Pakistan in ODI’s

However, the 22-year old was dismissed in the 21st over, after a delivery from Zampa found the thick edge of Ayub’s bat, slicing the ball towards Josh Hazlewood, who took the catch. Ayub’s dismissal ended a great performance in which he made 82 runs off 71 deliveries, smashing five fours and six sixes in the process. Zampa ended an incredible partnership with Abdullah Shafique, in which the two made 137 runs off 123 deliverers.

However, Abdullah Shafique remained on the field, and continued where Ayub left off, scoring his own half century, which was his fifth ever in ODI’s. He ended the match on 64 runs off 69 deliveries, hitting four fours and three sixes in the process. Babar Azam, who replaced Ayub, made a contribution of 15 runs off 20 deliveries, and ended the contest by blasting a six.

Pakistan won by nine wickets, leveling the series is level at 1-1. The third ODI begins on November 10 and will decide a winner between the two.

Champions Trophy: Schedule to be revealed soon