Pakistan destroy Australia by nine wickets in Adelaide to send one-day series to a decider
Australia have been truly humbled in one of their heaviest ODI defeats on home soil as Pakistan destroyed the hosts to force a decider on Sunday. The full disaster examined inside.
Serious questions linger over Australia’s ODI batting after a staggering nine-wicket loss to Pakistan at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
Coming off a disappointing 8/204 in a narrow win in the opening clash at the MCG, the home side struggled to 163 from 35 overs on a terrific wicket, its third lowest total at the ground, after being 0/20 off the first two overs.
Steve Smith top scored with 35, backing up his 44 in the first game.
In response, Pakistan needed only 26.3 overs to amass 1/169 and keep the series alive going into the final game in Perth on Sunday.
Saim Ayub, 82 runs from 71 deliveries in just his second ODI, and Abdullah Shafique (64) put on a brilliant opening stand of 137. Ayub belted six sixes and five fours.
Pakistan paceman Haris Rauf created havoc, producing a magnificent 5/29 to rip Australia’s batting apart and claim his second international five-wicket haul.
His stunning effort equals former star spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as the best performance by a Pakistan bowler against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Mushtaq achieved the feat in 1996 when Pakistan had its only previous win over Australia at the ground.
Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan took six catches to equal the record for ODI games. He could have had the record on his own, only to drop a skied ball from Adam Zampa.
WELCOME HOME
Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie will be well and truly satisfied with his homecoming after the incredible triumph.
Gillespie, who coached South Australia and the Strikers, took over the reins for the white ball tour of Australia following the resignation of South African Gary Kirsten.
Appointed as Test team coach in April, Gillespie was named interim coach late last month. He was to have been in the commentary box for the ODI game in Adelaide.
KEY WICKETS
Rauf is creating massive headaches for the Aussie batsmen with his pace and bounce.
After claiming three big scalps in the opening ODI at the MCG, he was at it again at the Adelaide Oval.
Rauf could also have had the prized wicket of Steve Smith, who was dropped at point in his first over when on 14.
While he often concedes plenty of runs, he is constantly troubling the batsmen. That was no more evident than the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne when he produced a gem to have him caught behind for six.
Glenn Maxwell was looking dangerous when he chopped a Rauf delivery onto his stumps.
WHAT A WASTE
The intriguing fight for an opener’s spot in the Australian ODI side is becoming a case of wasted opportunities.
Young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short, chasing the job as Travis Head’s opening partner for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February, squandered a prime chance to push their claims.
The curator certainly helped the duo in the quest, providing a terrific wicket which appeared full of runs and a speedy outfield, and both batsmen appeared in fine touch before failing to capitalise.
Fraser-McGurk has been criticised for his want to constantly attack the bowlers and he swung wildly at the first ball from Naseem Shah in the second over.
The South Australian-based 22-year old then blasted three fours to again show his potential.
After 13 runs from 10 balls, Fraser-McGurk was lbw to a superb delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
Short also fell to Afridi after belting three fours in his 19 from 15. However, he was gifted a four when Afridi dropped a catch and the ball spilled to the boundary rope.
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