Rauf takes fifer, Ayub hammers 82 as Pak crush Oz by 9 wkts

08 November,2024 07:40 AM IST |  Adelaide  |  AFP

“The most important thing is the team won,” said Ayub. “We planned to be positive and not to think about the result but the most important thing is how we play as a team”

Haris Rauf celebrates the wicket of Josh Inglis in Adelaide yesterday. Pic/Getty Images


Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

Saim Ayub slammed a swashbuckling 82 and Abdullah Shafique an unbeaten 64 as Pakistan demolished Australia by nine wickets to level their one-day series on Friday at the Adelaide Oval.

Replying to the hosts' modest 163 all out, thanks to pace spearhead Haris Rauf's 5-29, Pakistan reached 169-1 with a huge 141 balls to spare. It set up a series decider on Sunday at Perth Stadium after Australia won a tense first match in Melbourne by two wickets.

Also Read: WI pacer Joseph suspended for argument with captain Hope v England

Saim Ayub

Openers Ayub and Shafique started the chase slowly, pinned down by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, with just 47 coming from the first 10 overs. But they began swinging the bat after that with Ayub smacking a big six from Cummins then crunching another off Mitchell Starc. The 22-year-old was dropped by Adam Zampa on 47 and capitalised by bringing up his maiden ODI half-century in only his second match, with Shafique joining the fun with some giant sixes of his own.

"The most important thing is the team won," said Ayub. "We planned to be positive and not to think about the result but the most important thing is how we play as a team."

Brief scores
Australia 163 all out in 35 overs (S Smith 35; H Rauf 5-29, S Afridi 3-26) lost to Pakistan 169-1 in 26.3 overs (S Ayub 82, A Shafique 64') by nine wickets

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
pakistan australia cricket news sports news Sports Update
Related Stories