LAHORE: Australia produced a disciplined bowling performance to defeat Pakistan by 41 runs in the second One-Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.
Chasing a target of 232, Pakistan were bowled out for 190 in 44.1 overs despite a determined half-century from Shadab Khan. The visitors successfully defended a modest total after consistently striking at crucial moments throughout the innings.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start as openers Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan were dismissed for zero and three respectively, leaving the hosts struggling at 6/2 inside the opening two overs.
Experienced batter Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a brisk 16, including two boundaries, but fell to Nathan Ellis in the fifth over. Pakistan’s troubles deepened when Salman Ali Agha and Abdul Samad departed cheaply, reducing the home side to a precarious position.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori fought back with a gritty 37 from 48 deliveries before Adam Zampa dismissed him, leaving Pakistan reeling at 78/6.
However, Shadab Khan and Arafat Minhas revived hopes with a valuable 59-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Minhas contributed 33 before Ellis struck again to break the stand.
Shadab continued to battle and scored a resilient 71 off 104 balls, but his efforts ultimately proved insufficient. He was the last major obstacle for Australia before being dismissed by Tanveer Sangha.
Earlier, Nathan Ellis led Australia’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 4 for 33. Matthew Short claimed three wickets, while Zampa, Sangha, and Matthew Kuhnemann took one each to secure the victory and set up a decisive final ODI.
