Pakistan becomes the most successful Asian ODI team in Australia with 18 wins

Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan stunned world champions Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

The Green Shirts recorded an emphatic nine-wicket win as Pakistan chased down the target of 164 inside 27 overs. As a result, Pakistan has now won its first match in Australia in seven years.

The last time Pakistan managed a win Down Under was in January 2017, when Mohammad Hafeez-led Pakistan recorded a six-wicket victory over Steve Smith-led Australia.

In the second ODI of the three-match series, Haris Rauf took a five-wicket haul to help Pakistan bundle Australia out for just 163. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafiq then played 82 and 64 respectively to help Pakistan register an easy win. .

“It is clear that this win gives us confidence. We want to maintain that confidence. All the bowlers had plans and they worked well,” captain Mohammad Rizwan said after the win.

On the other hand, pacer Haris Rauf said, “We are so happy to win this match. Yes, Pakistani fans come to see us all over the world. I have played a lot for Melbourne Stars so I know these conditions where we bowl.”

Pakistan leapfrogged India and Sri Lanka

As a result of this win in the second ODI, Pakistan has registered its 35th ODI against Australia.

This is also Pakistan’s 18th win in Australia in 54 matches played Down Under.

Pakistan now have the highest number of wins in ODIs against Australia in their own backyard, among other Asian teams.

Sri Lanka are at the second spot with 16 wins from 56 matches, while India are at the third spot with 14 wins from 54 matches.

The second ODI win was also Australia’s biggest against Pakistan in terms of balls remaining. It is also Pakistan’s biggest win by wickets against Australia.

The opening stand between Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique also became Pakistan’s second highest opening partnership against Australia in ODIs.

The record is currently held by Mudassar Nazar and Mohsin Khan as they had put together a partnership of 141 runs for the opening wicket in 1985.

The three-match ODI series between Australia and Pakistan is now level at 1-1.

The series decider will now be played in Perth on Sunday, November 10.