Rauf and Ayub Star as Pakistan Dominate Australia, Winning 2nd ODI by 9 Wickets to Level Series
In an electrifying showdown at the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan thrashed Australia by a resounding nine wickets, leveling the three-match series 1-1 in style. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan clinched the victory with 141 balls to spare, showcasing a dominant performance on Australian soil.
Australia struggled to establish control from the very beginning. After bowling out Pakistan for just 203 in Melbourne to win the first match, Josh Inglis’s squad was cautiously optimistic about defending their 163-run total. However, Pakistan’s opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub quickly dashed Australia’s hopes with a decisive partnership.
Starting carefully, Shafique broke free by hitting two consecutive fours off Josh Hazlewood at the end of the 10th over. But it was Saim Ayub who took charge of the scoring, showcasing aggressive stroke play. He hit a six off Pat Cummins in the 11th over, followed by a six and two fours off Mitchell Starc in the next. His flick for six over fine leg was arguably the shot of the day and a top contender for the day’s best shot.
Ayub didn’t stop there, launching two sixes each off Aaron Hardie and Adam Zampa in a remarkable display of power. The young left-hander, playing only his second ODI, led Pakistan to the 100-run mark in just 16 overs, setting the record for the second-highest opening partnership for Pakistan in Australia. This feat trails only behind the 1984–85 season partnership by Mohsin Khan and Mudassar Nazar at the MCG.
Ayub’s blistering innings raised hopes of a century, but he fell for 82, caught by Hazlewood off Zampa. His 71-ball knock included six sixes and five fours, a performance that effectively put Pakistan in the driver’s seat. Following the 137-run opening partnership, captain Babar Azam joined Shafique to comfortably seal the win.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers set the tone by dismantling Australia’s lineup. Haris Rauf led the attack, taking 5 for 29, while Shaheen Afridi chipped in with three wickets for 26 runs. Rizwan also shone behind the stumps, equaling the record for most catches in a match with six, narrowly missing a solo record after dropping Zampa’s catch.
With Australia bowled out for a mere 163 – Pakistan’s lowest score ever against them in ODIs – the game was Pakistan’s to lose. Shafique and Ayub then executed the chase seamlessly, scripting a memorable win for Pakistan that leaves the series finely poised for the decider.