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NEW DELHI: Haris Rauf delivered an outstanding bowling performance of 5-29, whilst Saim Ayub contributed 82 runs as Pakistan secured a nine-wicket victory against Australia in the second one-day international on Friday.
Australia were bowled out for 163 in 35 overs, succumbing to Rauf’s precise pace bowling. Ayub’s aggressive innings, featuring six sixes and five fours, guided Pakistan to 169-1 in 26.3 overs, equalising the three-match series.
Babar Azam remained not out on 15, securing the win with a six off Adam Zampa, whilst Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten 64, including four boundaries and three sixes.
The decisive match is scheduled for Sunday in Perth. Australia has rested five key players in preparation for their five-match home Test series against India, beginning November 22 at Perth.
Despite previous criticism for poor Test performances, opening pair Ayub and Shafique effectively handled the Australian pace attack, constructing a decisive 137-run partnership, justifying their selection in the limited-overs format.
Ayub initially played cautiously against Hazlewood and Starc before gaining confidence, striking sixes off Cummins, Starc, and Hardie, whilst also hitting Zampa for two maximums.
The left-handed batsman, making his ODI debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, survived a dropped catch by Zampa at third man before his fifty, but eventually fell to a simple catch when approaching his century.
Earlier, Rauf, following his impressive showing in the first match, consistently found edges through precise length bowling.
Mohammad Rizwan collected five catches, four from Rauf’s bowling, missing a sixth when he dropped Zampa (18) before Australia’s innings concluded after Pakistan chose to field on a responsive Adelaide surface.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-26) struck early in the power play. Despite Jake Fraser-McGurk’s initial boundaries off Naseem Shah, Afridi’s double strike halted Australia’s momentum.
Although Afridi dropped Short at deep fine leg, he compensated by dismissing him at covers after earlier removing Fraser-McGurk lbw.
Afridi ended Australia’s innings when Zampa played onto his stumps. Zampa’s six and four off Naseem Shah helped Australia surpass 150 runs.
Rauf dominated the middle order, with Steve Smith managing 35 before edging Hasnain behind.
Josh Hazlewood replaced Sean Abbott in Australia’s sole change from their previous victory.
Starc, Smith, Labuschagne, Cummins and Hazlewood will rest for Sunday’s final match. Josh Inglis will captain the side at Perth.
Inglis will also lead in the upcoming T20s against Pakistan, as Marsh and Head take paternity leave.
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