ADELAIDE, Australia — Pakistan stormed to a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in the second one-day international, thanks to Haris Rauf’s five-wicket haul and Saim Ayub’s explosive 82-run knock. Rauf’s lethal spell of 5-29 dismantled Australia, who were bowled out for 163 runs in 35 overs. Chasing 164, Ayub’s powerful innings, featuring six sixes and five fours, led Pakistan to victory with a score of 169-1 in just 26.3 overs. Former captain Babar Azam sealed the win with a six off Adam Zampa, while Abdullah Shafique supported with an unbeaten 64 from 61 balls.
The three-match series is now level at 1-1, with the deciding game scheduled for Sunday in Perth. Australia, preparing for an upcoming five-match Test series against India, rested five key players ahead of the final ODI.
After recent low scores in the Test format, Ayub and Shafique silenced critics with a steady 137-run partnership, handling Australia’s pace attack with confidence. Ayub, making his ODI debut earlier this week, played patiently against bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc before launching sixes off Pat Cummins, Starc, and Aaron Hardie. He was dropped by Zampa before reaching his half-century but eventually fell to a catch at short third man after nearing a century.
Earlier in the match, Rauf’s disciplined bowling found edges consistently, exploiting the lively Adelaide pitch after Pakistan won the toss and chose to field. Mohammad Rizwan excelled behind the stumps, taking five catches off Rauf’s bowling.
Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in the opening powerplay, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk leg-before and later catching Matt Short at cover after a missed chance at deep fine leg. Afridi ended Australia’s innings by bowling Zampa, who managed to take the hosts past 150 with a late six and four off Naseem Shah.
Australia made a single change from the first match, bringing in Josh Hazlewood for Sean Abbott. Starc, Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cummins, and Hazlewood are set to rest for the series finale, with Josh Inglis named interim captain for the last ODI and the following T20 series against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will miss the series due to paternity leave.
