Playing in Adelaide, Pakistan showcased their dominance, defeating Australia by 9 wickets with 141 balls to spare, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Australia, never quite in control, struggled to replicate their previous success in Melbourne, where Mitchell Starc and his team had dismissed Pakistan for 203.
Adam Zampa’s cautious play eventually gave way to frustration as Babar Azam played two consecutive balls defensively. Determined to break free, Zampa launched the very next ball over mid-wicket, sending it into the stands.
Despite defending a modest target of 163, Josh Inglis’ team held onto a sliver of hope. However, Pakistan’s opening duo, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, shattered that hope with a decisive partnership that pushed Australia out of contention.
Starting carefully, Shafique hit consecutive boundaries off Josh Hazlewood to signal the beginning of an aggressive approach. Yet, it was Ayub who truly accelerated the innings, pushing Pakistan to an effortless win.
Match Summary:
Australia: 163 in 35 overs (Smith 35, Rauf 5/29).
Pakistan: 169/1 in 26.3 overs (Saim 82, Shafique 64*).
Result: Pakistan won by 9 wickets.
Man of the Match: Haris Rauf.
