22-Year-Old Shines as Pakistan Dominates Australia in 2nd ODI, Tying Series at 1-1
Saim Ayub’s explosive 82 and an unbeaten 64 from Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI, leveling the series 1-1 at Adelaide Oval on Friday. Chasing Australia’s modest 163, which was curtailed by Haris Rauf’s impressive 5-29, Pakistan reached 169-1 with 141 balls remaining, setting up a decider on Sunday in Perth. Australia had clinched a close first match in Melbourne by two wickets.
Openers Ayub and Shafique started cautiously, kept in check by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, with Pakistan scoring only 47 in the first 10 overs. But Ayub soon broke loose, hitting a six off Cummins and another off Mitchell Starc. Dropped by Adam Zampa at 47, Ayub capitalized to reach his maiden ODI half-century in just his second game, while Shafique contributed with some towering sixes.
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Ayub was eventually dismissed by Zampa for 82, caught by Hazlewood after a powerful 71-ball innings that included five fours and six sixes. Captain Babar Azam (15 not out) joined Shafique, sealing the win with Pakistan’s 10th six of the game.
“The team’s victory is what matters most,” Ayub said afterward. “We aimed to play positively and focus on our game as a team. Haris Rauf deserves the credit, but all the bowlers supported him well.”
Australia struggled after Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to field. Steve Smith’s 35 was the highest score as Australia was dismissed in the 35th over, with Rizwan claiming six catches.
“It wasn’t our best day,” said Australian skipper Cummins. “We were aiming for more than 160. Pakistan bowled well, but we hoped for a bigger score.”
Without Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who were on paternity leave, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short opened for Australia, eager to make an impact after struggling in the first match. Fraser-McGurk hit three boundaries in Naseem Shah’s opening over but fell lbw to Shaheen Shah Afridi for 13. Short survived a dropped catch by Afridi on 8, but soon after, he was caught off a cover drive for 19.
Josh Inglis scored a quick 18 before edging to Rizwan off Rauf, who also removed Marnus Labuschagne (6), leaving Australia at 87-4. Smith held on for 35 before falling to Mohammad Hasnain, and Rauf’s sharp bowling continued to disrupt the Australians, as he bowled Glenn Maxwell for 16 and dismissed Cummins (13) to complete his second ODI five-wicket haul.
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