Cricket: Haris Rauf takes five as Pakistan demolish Australia

Pakistan defeated Australia by nine wickets in Adelaide on Friday night, dominating with both bat and ball to level the three-match ODI series 1-1.

Opting to have a bowl first, the visitors took just 14 balls to strike, with Shaeen Shah Afridi trapping Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) LBW in the third over.

Wickets fell consistently across the Australian innings as no batsman was able to pass 35 runs, despite Matthew Short (19), Steve Smith (35) and Josh Inglis (18) all getting starts at the top of the order.

Haris Rauf combined brilliantly with keeper Mohammad Rizwan for the bulk of Pakistan’s wickets, with Rauf taking 5/29 while Rizwan ended with six catches behind the stumps.

A late flurry by Adam Zampa (18) helped Australia to splutter to 163 all-out from 35 overs.

In response, Pakistan began slowly through Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique at the top of the order.

The pair soon found their feet, however, and put on an impressive 137-run partnership for the opening wicket, leaving just a handful of runs to be made by the time Ayub fell for 82 from 71.

Babar Azam (15) joined Shafique (64) at the crease to finish the job, chasing down Australia’s target with 141 balls remaining – and ending in style with a six over midwicket.

“Wasn’t one of our best days,” Australian captain Pat Cummins said after the match.

“You hope you get more than 160. They bowled well but we wanted to get a bigger score.

“We got some catchers in, tried to attack, but it wasn’t to be.”

Heading into the match, Pakistan were $4.50 underdogs at cricket bookmakers, with Australia paying just $1.20 to win.

Pakistan captain Rizwan reflected after the match how the victory gives his side confidence heading into the series decider on Sunday in Perth.

“Obviously this win gives us confidence,” he said.

“We want to keep that confidence going.

“All bowlers had plans and they worked well.”

Marantelli Bet have shortened their odds for Pakistan to win the third ODI ($2.60) but still have Australia as favourite ($1.46).

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