Nine-Wicket Victory as Pakistan Thrashes Australia in 2nd ODI at Adelaide Oval
In a stellar display of skill, Pakistan overwhelmed Australia with a commanding nine-wicket win in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. After losing the opening match of the series, Pakistan made a strong comeback with captain Mohammad Rizwan’s choice to field first proving strategic. Australia adjusted their lineup, bringing in Josh Hazlewood to replace Sean Abbott.
Australia’s innings began with promise, as openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short quickly found boundaries, scoring 13 and 19 runs, respectively. However, Shaheen Afridi soon broke their partnership, dismissing both batters and leaving Australia at 41-2. Steve Smith, determined to stabilize the innings, joined forces with Josh Inglis, and the pair managed a 38-run partnership. But Pakistan’s Haris Rauf struck again, taking Inglis’s wicket for 18 and soon dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, who added just six runs to the scoreboard.
Smith contributed 35 runs from 48 balls, an innings that included five boundaries and one six. However, he fell to Hasnain’s delivery, as Pakistan’s bowling attack continued to apply pressure. Australia’s lower order scrambled, with Adam Zampa’s 18-run cameo helping to bring their total to 163 before Shaheen Afridi claimed his third wicket, ending the innings.
Haris Rauf led Pakistan’s exceptional bowling, finishing with figures of 5-29, while Shaheen took 3-26. Contributions from Naseem and Hasnain rounded off an impressive team effort. Pakistan’s batsmen chased down the modest target with ease, securing a nine-wicket win.
With the ODI series now tied, both teams are set for a high-stakes showdown in the final match on November 10 at Perth. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20 series, beginning at The Gabba in Brisbane on November 14.
