In the second ODI of a three-match series held at Adelaide Oval, Pakistan defeated Australia by nine wickets. This victory helped Pakistan level the series at 1-1, with the deciding match set to take place on Sunday in Perth. The Men in Green put on an exciting show with fast bowling, as Haris Rauf took five wickets, and openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub each scored the fifties to easily chase the target.
This decisive win not only leveled the series but also helped Pakistan move ahead of South Africa in the ICC ODI team rankings. The Green Shirts have now climbed to third place, a surprising comeback after some underwhelming performances in the format.
Pakistan had a rough run in the Asia Cup last year, exiting at the Super 4 stage before being eliminated in the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Since then, they had played only two ODIs, but their impressive win in Adelaide against a strong Australian team shows a promising return to form.
Pakistan now hopes to win the third match and secure the series, which would also solidify their third position in the rankings. Early next year, Pakistan will prepare for the defense of their Champions Trophy title by playing the ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa before a tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand.
