New Delhi: Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha heaped praise on teammate Haris Rauf after the frontline pacer bowled a sensational spell against Australia in the second One-Day International match to help the tourists level the three-match series 1-1.
On Friday, Haris Rauf continued from where he left at the MCG in the first match, dismantling the Australian batting order to force them to their fourth-lowest ODI score against Pakistan in the ODI history between the two teams. The Pakistan pacer claimed figures of 5 for 29 as the Pat Cummins-led side were bundled out for 163 in 35 overs at the Adelaide Oval.
This was only the second ODI match for Rauf in Australia and he has already amassed eight wickets in two games after his efforts of 3 for 67 ended in a losing cause at the MCG. He has taken 36 wickets for Melbourne Stars in the 22 matches played in the Big Bash League (BBL). His experience came handy to foil Australia from posting a formidable score after being asked to bat first.
Pakistan vice-captain Salman Agha said Haris Rauf turns into a different type of bowler when he comes to Australia.
“Haris (Rauf) wears his heart on his sleeve and whenever he comes to Australia, he becomes a different bowler. He takes wickets here all the time, if you look at Big Bash or the T20 World Cup too. He is bowling amazingly well right now as well,” Agha told the official broadcasters in the middle of the game.
Pakistan openers hit confident fifties to cruise to win
Saim Ayub (82 off 71 balls) and Abdullah Shafique (64 off 69 balls) gave a brilliant start to Pakistan in the moderate chase. The opening partnership was recorded at 137 before Ayub was caught by Josh Hazlewood off Adam Zampa’s bowling in the 21st over.
Shafique remained unbeaten and completed the chase with star batter Babar Azam (15*). The tourists saw off the target with 141 balls left in the chase. This was the first win for Pakistan recorded under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan.
Earlier in the day, Rizwan became the ninth wicketkeeper to take six catches in an ODI innings, joining the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock, Matt Prior. Gilchrist is the only player to have achieved this feat four times in his career.
Pakistan and Australia will play the final ODI on Sunday (November 10) at the Perth Stadium. It will be the series decider for both teams before they head towards the three-match T20I series.
On Friday, Haris Rauf continued from where he left at the MCG in the first match, dismantling the Australian batting order to force them to their fourth-lowest ODI score against Pakistan in the ODI history between the two teams. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
