Australia vs Pakistan: Pakistan Claims First ODI Victory in Australia Since 2017
In an impressive display, Pakistan triumphed over Australia by nine wickets at the Adelaide Oval, marking their first ODI win on Australian soil since 2017. Chasing a target of 164 runs, Pakistan finished at 169 for 1 in just 26.3 overs, with Saim Ayub leading the charge with 82 runs and Abdullah Shafique remaining unbeaten on 64.
Haris Rauf was a standout performer, taking five wickets for 29 runs. His impressive bowling included a remarkable delivery that dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, earning him his second five-wicket haul in Odis. Australia struggled with their batting, collapsing from 79 for 2 to 163 all out, with Steven Smith top-scoring at 35.
Ayub began his innings cautiously but soon accelerated, hitting multiple boundaries, including a spectacular pick-up shot off Mitchell Starc that sailed into the stands. He reached his fifty off 52 balls before being dismissed for 82, playing a vital role in a 137-run opening partnership with Shafique.
Rauf’s pace and precision unsettled the Australian lineup, contributing to their downfall. He ended the match with a combined tally of eight wickets across the two encounters. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, equaled the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an ODI, with six catches.
This victory sets the stage for a series decider in Perth on Sunday, where Australia will be captained by Josh Inglis as several key Test players will not participate in order to prepare for upcoming matches against India.