Pakistan Clinches First ODI Victory In Australia: Rauf and Ayyub Shine Bright
Pakistan Clinches First ODI Victory In Australia. In an exhilarating encounter at the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan secured a dominant nine-wicket victory against Australia in the second ODI of the series. The win was orchestrated by a phenomenal bowling performance from Haris Rauf and a splendid batting display from Saim Ayub. With this triumph, Pakistan not only leveled the three-match series 1-1 but also showcased their prowess against the reigning ODI World Champions.
Match Summary
Pakistan: 169 for 1 (Ayub 82, Shafique 64*, Zampa 1-44)
Australia: 163 all out (Smith 35, Rauf 5-29, Afridi 3-26)
Result: Pakistan won by nine wickets
The match unfolded dramatically as Rauf continued to impress with his fiery pace, claiming five wickets and restricting Australia to a meager total of 163 runs. With this victory, the series is now set for a thrilling decider in Perth.
Rauf Fiery Spell
Haris Rauf was the standout performer, delivering a lethal spell that saw him dismantle the Australian batting lineup. After a stunning performance in Melbourne, Rauf returned to claim his second five-wicket haul in ODIs, finishing with figures of 5 for 29 in just 8 overs. His ability to generate pace and movement was evident, and he consistently troubled the Australian batsmen.
Rauf’s highlight was the dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne, where he delivered a ball that pitched on off-stump and seamed away, inducing an edge that was safely taken by Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps. Rauf’s relentless attack had Australia reeling at various stages of their innings, particularly as they slipped from a promising position of 79 for 2 to a dismal all-out total of 163.
AyubStellar Performance
While Rauf wreaked havoc with the ball, Saim Ayub took center stage with the bat, scoring an impressive 82 runs off just 71 balls. Ayub’s innings was characterized by an aggressive approach, as he struck five boundaries and six towering sixes. His partnership with Abdullah Shafique, who scored 64 not out, was pivotal in ensuring Pakistan reached their target comfortably.
Initially cautious, Ayub found his rhythm after a slow start, picking up pace after reaching 7 runs from 27 balls. His aggressive batting saw him dispatch Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to the stands, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and play big shots. The opening pair’s partnership of 137 runs set the foundation for a commanding victory.
Australia Struggles
Australia’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure exerted by Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, who claimed three wickets, including that of Steven Smith. The Australian innings began brightly, with Smith appearing in good form, but their momentum faltered as wickets fell at regular intervals. Smith’s top score of 35 was not enough to stabilize the innings as wickets tumbled in quick succession.
The Australians seemed unable to adapt to the conditions, which had a grassy covering that made it challenging for the batters. With Rauf and Afridi exploiting these conditions, the hosts failed to build any substantial partnerships, ultimately collapsing for just 163 runs in 35 overs.
Rizwan Captaincy and Record
Mohammad Rizwan, captaining Pakistan in white-ball cricket for the first time, was instrumental in the field and behind the stumps, equaling the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an ODI match with six catches. Although he missed a chance off Adam Zampa, Rizwan’s leadership and keeping were commendable.
His approach as captain has been refreshing, encouraging aggressive play and instilling confidence in his players, which was evident in their performance in Adelaide.
The Road Ahead
With this victory, Pakistan will head to Perth with momentum on their side, eager to clinch the series in the third ODI. The Australian side, missing some of its key players who will be resting for the upcoming Test series against India, will be led by Josh Inglis for the first time in ODIs.
As both teams prepare for the final showdown, the stakes are high. For Pakistan, the objective is clear: continue the impressive form shown in Adelaide and secure a series victory against a weakened Australian side. For Australia, the challenge will be to regroup and reclaim their dominance, leveraging their depth and experience.
Key Statistics
| Team | Total Runs | Wickets | Overs Faced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 163 | All out | 35 |
| Pakistan | 169 | 1 | 26.3 |
Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haris Rauf | 8 | 29 | 5 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 8 | 26 | 3 |
| Mohammad Hasnain | 6 | 27 | 1 |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 65 | 1 |
Batting Performance
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | 82 | 71 | 5 | 6 |
| Abdullah Shafique | 64* | 69 | 4 | 3 |
| Babar Azam | 15* | 20 | 0 | 1 |
Conclusion
Pakistan’s emphatic win over Australia in the second ODI serves as a testament to their potential and resilience. The performances of Haris Rauf and Saim Ayub highlight the depth of talent within the squad. As they look forward to the decider in Perth, both players have laid down a marker for their teammates and set the tone for an exciting finish to the series.
