Lahore: Australia produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 41 runs in the second ODI, riding on key contributions from Josh Inglis, Cameron Green and Nathan Ellis. The victory helped Australia level the three-match series 1-1 in a tightly contested encounter on Tuesday.

Early setbacks for Australia

After Pakistan opted to bowl first, their spinners made immediate inroads. Arafat Minhas and Abrar Ahmed applied pressure with disciplined bowling, reducing Australia to 51/3 within 10.4 overs.

The early wickets included Alex Carey for a duck, Matt Short for 15, and Marnus Labuschagne for 5. At that stage, Pakistan appeared firmly in control of proceedings.

Inglis and Green rebuild innings

Australia’s recovery was anchored by a crucial partnership between Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. Inglis played a composed knock of 51 runs off 74 balls, striking five boundaries before being dismissed by Arafat Minhas.

Green continued the rebuilding effort and stitched together another valuable 65-run partnership with Matt Renshaw, who contributed 43 runs off 43 deliveries.

Green went on to register a patient half-century, scoring 50 in 92 balls, including one four and two sixes. His innings provided the stability Australia needed after the early collapse.

Late contributions lift Australia

Towards the closing stages of the innings, Oliver Peake added useful runs, scoring 31 off 32 balls with one boundary and two sixes. His contribution ensured Australia posted a competitive total of 231/9 in their allotted overs.

For Pakistan, the bowling effort was led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who claimed 3/36. Arafat Minhas and Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets each, while Haris Rauf also bagged a couple of scalps.

Pakistan falter in chase

Chasing 232, Pakistan’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, slipping to 78/6 due to a combined bowling effort from Australia’s spinners and seamers.

Matt Short, Adam Zampa, and Matt Kuhnemann played crucial roles in dismantling the top order. The collapse left Pakistan with a mountain to climb early in the innings.

Resistance from Shadab and Minhas

Arafat Minhas showed resilience with the bat, scoring 33 off 43 balls, including four boundaries. He shared a 59-run partnership with Shadab Khan, who emerged as Pakistan’s top scorer.

Shadab fought valiantly with a knock of 71 runs from 104 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. However, his efforts were not enough to take Pakistan over the line.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 190 in 44 overs, falling short by 41 runs.

Ellis leads Australia’s bowling attack

Nathan Ellis was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/33 and playing a decisive role in Australia’s victory. Matt Short also impressed with 3/36, while Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann, and Tanveer Sangha chipped in with a wicket each.

Ellis’s impactful spell earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining his growing importance in Australia’s bowling unit.

Conclusion

Australia’s ability to recover from early setbacks and execute a disciplined bowling performance proved decisive in this low-scoring contest. With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will head into the third ODI with everything to play for. The match highlighted the importance of partnerships and composure under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting series finale.