ISLAMABAD: Pakistan defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Adelaide Oval. The win helped Pakistan level the series 1-1, with the series decider to be played in Perth on Sunday.
The men in green bowled sensationally in the field, with Haris Rauf picking up 5 wickets, while solid half-centuries from openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub helped them reach the target comfortably.
Pakistan’s emphatic victory not only helped level the series but also helped them overtake South Africa in the ICC ODI team rankings. The Green Shirts have now moved up a place to third, which is surprising after their poor performance in the format.
Pakistan had a terrible run in the Asia Cup last year as they were eliminated at the Super 4 stage before being knocked out in the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Since then, Pakistan have played only 2 ODIs, both of which have been poor in the ongoing series.
Despite a poor performance over the past year, Pakistan returned to Adelaide and outplayed a strong Australian team.
Pakistan will be hoping to seal the series by winning the third match of the series and consolidate their third position in the rankings. Pakistan will prepare to defend their coveted Champions Trophy title in a three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and South Africa before a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand early next year.
