NOV 09, V7N-Haris Rauf's superb five-wicket haul led Pakistan to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second One Day International at Adelaide Oval on Friday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Rauf's 5-29 was instrumental in dismissing Australia for just 163 in 35 overs, their lowest-ever ODI score against Pakistan, despite a good batting track. Mohammad Rizwan, making his debut as Pakistan's white-ball captain, played a key role in the dismissal of six Australian batsmen, tying the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an ODI. He almost had a seventh but dropped a catch from Adam Zampa.

Saim Ayub led the chase with a blistering 82, sharing a 137-run opening partnership with Abdullah Shafique, as Pakistan reached the target in just 26.3 overs. Rauf, reflecting on his success, credited his knowledge of the pitch from his Big Bash League experience, saying he aimed to get early breakthroughs for Pakistan.

Australia's collapse began with Jake Fraser-McGurk, who hit three boundaries off Naseem Shah, before being dismissed lbw by Shaheen Afridi (3-26) for 13. Afridi later took two more wickets, and Rauf followed up with a destructive spell, dismissing Steve Smith (35), Josh Inglis (18), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, and Mitchell Starc. Smith survived an lbw appeal but was caught behind off Mohammad Hasnain.

In reply, Saim's aggressive innings, which included six sixes, saw Pakistan race past 50 without loss. He reached his fifty off 52 balls before being dismissed by Zampa. Shafique made an unbeaten 64, and Babar Azam finished the match with a six, ensuring a comfortable win for Pakistan. The final ODI will take place in Perth on Sunday.

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