Australia vs Pakistan: Hosts humbled in nine-wicket defeat in second ODI to set up Perth decider

Pakistan humble Australia by nine wickets in second ODI

Australia's hopes of wrapping up the three-match ODI series against Pakistan were dashed on Tuesday after the tourists thrashed the hosts by nine wickets in the second match in Adelaide. Pakistan chased down a modest total of 225 with consummate ease, reaching their target with more than 11 overs to spare.

Pakistan dominate with bat and ball in Adelaide

Fakhar Zaman (88) and Imam-ul-Haq (59) put on a 119-run opening stand to lay the platform for Pakistan's victory. Zaman was particularly brutal in his assault on the Australian bowlers, striking 10 fours and three sixes in his 82-ball knock. Australia's bowlers struggled to make an impact throughout the Pakistan innings, with Nathan Ellis (0-50) and Mitchell Starc (0-44) proving particularly expensive. Earlier, Australia had been bowled out for 225 in 49.3 overs, with David Warner (67) top-scoring for the hosts. Babar Azam's decision to bowl first paid off, with Shaheen Afridi (3-50) and Haris Rauf (2-42) sharing five wickets between them.

Perth decider set up

The victory levels the series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all clash in the final match in Perth on Friday. Australia will be desperate to bounce back from their defeat in Adelaide and secure the series victory, while Pakistan will be confident of completing a famous series win on Australian soil.

Quotes

"It was a very disappointing performance from us today," said Australian captain Aaron Finch. "We didn't bat well, we didn't bowl well, and we didn't field well. We need to be much better in Perth." "I'm very happy with the way we played today," said Pakistan captain Babar Azam. "The bowlers did a great job, and the batters chased down the target with ease. We're confident going into the final match."