Adelaide, November 8, 2024-Haris Rauf and Saim Ayub led Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory over Australia, leveling the ODI series at the Adelaide Oval with 23.3 overs to spare. Rauf’s devastating spell dismantled Australia’s middle order, claiming five wickets, while Ayub’s powerful innings set up Pakistan’s chase.
Rauf’s standout delivery dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, marking his second ODI five-wicket haul. With Ayub and Abdullah Shafique beginning cautiously, Ayub soon exploded with impressive shots, including a six off Mitchell Starc. He reached fifty off 52 balls, and though his maiden century was cut short at 99, the 137-run opening stand put Pakistan firmly in control.
Steven Smith’s 35 topped Australia’s poor batting display, which collapsed from 79-2 to 163 all out. Rauf finished with an impressive two-game tally of 8 wickets for 96 runs.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan equaled the ODI record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper with six, though a late dropped catch cost him a chance at a standalone record. With a modest target, Pakistan’s openers faced no pressure, playing cautiously against the new ball as it moved in the air. Australia’s big four bowlers struggled for a response.
Australia’s new openers, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short, faltered quickly, dismissed within seven overs. While Smith initially countered with promising shots, including a six off Mohammad Hasnain, he was dismissed by Rauf’s tight lines. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Hasnain also claimed crucial wickets, with Rauf taking the final breakthrough by dismissing Pat Cummins to seal the victory.
Australia, missing Test players preparing for the India series, will be captained by Josh Inglis for the final match in Perth on Sunday.
