In a stunning display at Adelaide Oval, Pakistan defeated Australia by nine wickets on Friday, marking one of Australia’s heaviest losses in ODI history. The hosts were skittled out for just 163, and Pakistan chased down the target with ease, finishing at 169-1 with 141 balls to spare. This defeat was Australia’s first home ODI loss by nine wickets since 1992.

The victory was led by Pakistan’s opening batsmen, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, who dominated Australia’s bowlers. Ayub scored a commanding 82, while Shafique remained unbeaten at 64, bringing Pakistan to the brink of a 10-wicket victory. Only a late wicket by Adam Zampa ended their partnership of 137 runs, sparing Australia from a record-breaking home loss.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, acknowledged his team’s struggles. “It wasn’t one of our best days,” he admitted. “You hope to get more than 160… but it wasn’t to be.” Cummins, along with several other key players, will miss the third and deciding game in Perth as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will step in as Australia’s captain for the final ODI.

Pakistan’s charge was powered by fast bowler Haris Rauf, who took an impressive five-wicket haul, conceding only 29 runs. His fierce pace tore through Australia’s middle order, dismantling their lineup and turning an early 79-2 into a dismal 129-7. Rauf’s victims included top players like Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell. Former cricket great Wasim Akram praised Rauf’s performance from the commentary box, noting it as one of the best ODI figures for a Pakistani bowler at Adelaide Oval.

Australia’s innings wrapped up in the 35th over, with Steve Smith the top-scorer at 35. Openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk were dismissed cheaply, struggling against criticism for their aggressive, risky approach. Meanwhile, Inglis, who captained for the first time, managed a brief late surge, adding 18 runs before Pakistan sealed the win.

With the series now tied 1-1, Pakistan heads into Sunday’s match with momentum, while Australia’s depleted squad will look to regroup for the decider in Perth.