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Pakistan's cricket team has achieved a significant victory in the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against Australia, defeating the world champions by nine wickets. This win marks a historic moment for Pakistan as it is their first victory on Australian soil in seven years. The last time Pakistan triumphed over Australia in Australia was back in January 2017, when a Mohammad Hafeez-led Pakistani team secured a six-wicket victory against Steve Smith's Australian team in the second ODI of a five-match series held in Melbourne. Unfortunately, Pakistan went on to lose the remaining three matches of that series, resulting in a 1-4 series defeat.
The current victory in Adelaide was orchestrated by a stellar performance from Pakistan's bowlers, particularly fast bowler Haris Rauf, who claimed an impressive five wickets. Rauf's exceptional bowling prowess saw the world champions bundled out for a paltry 163 runs in just 35 overs. The Australian batting lineup was completely outplayed by Rauf's precision and accuracy, failing to adapt to his fast pace and skillful variations.
In response to Australia's modest total, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafiq, displayed a composed and aggressive approach, setting the foundation for a comfortable victory. Ayub contributed a crucial 82 runs, while Shafiq remained unbeaten on 64 runs, showcasing their ability to chase down the target with ease. Their partnership ensured Pakistan's triumph with a comfortable nine-wicket victory, adding to their growing confidence and demonstrating their strong cricketing prowess.
This momentous victory signifies a turning point in the series for Pakistan and serves as a reminder of their potential to compete with the best teams in the world. The team's performance in Adelaide highlights their resilience, skill, and strategic acumen. The series now heads to Sydney for the final ODI, where Pakistan will be aiming to secure a series victory and further enhance their position in the international cricketing landscape.