Cricket Highlights, Nov 8: Pakistan tour of Australia (2nd ODI) – Australia vs Pakistan

AUS vs PAK (2nd ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 2nd ODI match between AUS and PAK, held on November 8, 2024, in Adelaide. Pakistan put up a strong show, successfully pursuing a low-key goal set by Australia. Pakistan quickly destroyed Australia’s 163-run target with disciplined bowling and potent batting partnerships, reaching 169/1 in just 26.3 overs. This convincing 9-wicket victory makes Pakistan’s tour of Australia unforgettable and demonstrates their prowess in both bowling and batting.

In the second ODI in Adelaide, Pakistan clinched a dominant victory over Australia, winning by 9 wickets with 141 balls to spare. Australia, batting first, managed to put up a modest total of 163 runs, struggling against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Pakistan’s chase was swift and efficient, with their openers setting a solid foundation. Ultimately, Pakistan reached 169/1 in just 26.3 overs, comfortably surpassing the target with ease and securing a convincing win in the series.

AUS struggled to build momentum in their innings against a relentless Pakistani bowling attack, managing a total of just 163 runs in 35 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing both openers, Matthew Short (19 off 15) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (13 off 10), with sharp pace and precision. 

Steven Smith held the innings together with a patient 35 off 48 balls but couldn’t convert it into a substantial score, falling to Mohammad Hasnain.

Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets for 29 runs in his 8-over spell, dismantling Australia’s middle and lower order. He removed key players including Josh Inglis (18), Marnus Labuschagne (6), and captain Pat Cummins (13), preventing Australia from gaining any foothold. Adam Zampa provided some resistance with 18 off 21 but ultimately fell to Afridi, who finished with 3 for 26.

Naseem Shah contributed with a wicket, dismissing Mitchell Starc, while Pakistan’s bowlers collectively stifled Australia with tight lines and consistent pressure. Australia’s innings concluded at 163 in the 35th over, leaving Pakistan a modest target of 164 to chase.

PAK chased down the target of 164 runs with ease, securing a 9-wicket victory over Australia in just 26.3 overs. Saim Ayub provided a powerful start, scoring an impressive 82 off 71 balls with five boundaries and six sixes. His aggressive approach set the tone for Pakistan, and he built a strong 137-run opening partnership with Abdullah Shafique, who contributed a steady 64 off 69 balls.

After Ayub was dismissed by Adam Zampa at 137 in the 21st over, skipper Babar Azam joined Shafique and added the finishing touches with a composed 15 off 20 balls. Pakistan comfortably reached the target with 141 balls to spare, displaying both attacking and controlled batting. 

Australia’s bowlers, including Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins, struggled to make an impact, with Zampa taking the only wicket at the cost of 44 runs in his 6.3 overs. This clinical chase highlighted Pakistan’s dominance as they claimed victory with a solid all-round performance.

Australia vs Pakistan Scoreboard

Australia– 163(35)

Pakistan– 169/1 (26.3/50)

Result – Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 141 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Haris Rauf

AUS vs PAK Playing XI

Australia

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (WK), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C)(WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.