LAHORE : Australia bounced back strongly to defeat Pakistan by 42 runs in the second ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium on [date], leveling the three-match series at 1-1.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that initially paid dividends as his bowlers kept the Australian batting in check. The visitors managed 231 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Cameron Green top-scored with 53 runs, while Josh Inglis contributed 51 and Matt Renshaw added a valuable 43 to propel Australia past the 230-run mark.
For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Afridi led the bowling attack with three wickets. Haris Rauf, Arafat Minhas, and Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets apiece to restrict Australia.
Chasing a modest target of 232 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure and was bundled out for 190 in 44 overs. Shadab Khan fought a lone battle, remaining unbeaten on 71 runs. Ghazi Ghauri made 37 while Arafat Minhas chipped in with 33, but their efforts were not enough to see Pakistan home.
Australian bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Nathan Ellis returning impressive figures of 4 wickets. Matthew Short provided excellent support, taking 3 wickets to dismantle the Pakistani middle order.
The series now stands level at 1-1 following Pakistan’s five-wicket victory in the first ODI. The decider will be played at the same venue in Lahore.
