Pakistan ‘destroy’ Australia in historic ODI ‘demolition job’
Australia have been embarrassed by Pakistan, slumping to one of their worst results in 32 years in an absolute thrashing.
Australia have suffered a brutal nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the second One Day International at the Adelaide Oval.
The Aussies got off to a solid start to be 0/20 after two overs but Australia’s batting order collapsed in a feeble display to be all out for 163.
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Openers Matt Short (19) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) were out cheaply again, and Steve Smith (35 off 48 balls) was the topscorer. No other player scored above 20.
Pakistan paceman Haris Rauf was superb and finished with figures of 5/29. Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets.
Fox Cricket’s Mark Howard said after Rauf bowled Glenn Maxwell: “Haris Rauf is destroying the Australians.”
Pakistan made short work of the run chase — openers Saim Ayub (82 off 71 balls) and Abdullah Shafique (64 not out) made batting look easy, combining for a 137-run stand.
Ayub was particularly impressive as the tourists reached the total with more than 23 overs to spare.
“He has put on a clinic with some clean hitting. This is a demolition job,” Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.
Babar Azam sealed the deal with a six off Adam Zampa when only a single was required for the victory.
Australia’s woes were summed up when Zampa dropped a straightforward catch in the outfield and fell sprawling on his back trying to hold on to the catch.
“It wasn’t one of our best days,” captain Pat Cummins said post-match.
“Today was right up there as one of our worst unfortunately.”
Australia had won 18 of the last 21 ODIs against Pakistan but looked completely off the pace in Adelaide.
It was one of Australia’s heaviest ever ODI defeats — not since 1992 have they lost an ODI at home by nine wickets.
Australia may be the ODI world champions but the batting performances in the first two ODIs are cause for concern — only a Cummins rescue job saved the Aussies in the series opener.
Travis Head isn’t playing this ODI series, sitting out as he and his wife welcomed their second child.
Cummins is being rested for the third and series deciding ODI in Perth on Sunday. In his place, Josh Inglis will captain Australia for the first time.
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will also miss the clash as they turn their attention to the Test series against India starting on November 22.
“It is very, very exciting and challenging times for Josh Inglis. He will have plenty on his plate keeping and batting, (along) with the captaincy,” Waugh said.
“It is the best view in the house to move the field when you have the gloves on.”
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