Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd ODI: Babar, Imam help hosts level series

Mar 31, 2022

Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd ODI: Babar, Imam help hosts level series Image

Pakistan levelled the series with a record-breaking win over Australia in the second ODI, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. They rode on centuries from Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam to chase 349 with an over and six wickets in hand.

There was no end to the lean patch of Aaron Finch, who fell to the first ball he faced from Shaheen Shah Afridi. But Travis Head, Finch's opening partner, continued to impress in his new role and added a 162-run stand with Ben McDermott in 24 overs. 

While Head did hold back after an early dismissal, Ben McDermott (108) went about his business unperturbed, striking regular boundaries, including a six against Afridi. Head, too, accelerated and ended up slamming 89 in 70 balls, an innings that included five sixes and six fours. McDermott, meanwhile, reached his maiden ODI century with a six off Khushdil Shah before Marcus Stoinis hit 49 in 33 balls.

Asked to chase 350, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq got Pakistan added 118 at rapid pace for the opening stand. Stoinis bowled Fakhar for 67, but Imam then forged another crucial stand with his captain. In the 32nd over, Imam nudged to long on to complete his second successive century of the series.

Often criticised for his strike rate, Babar slammed 114 in 83 balls to take Pakistan inches within the target. Khushdil then struck two fours and two sixes in his 17-ball 27 to ensure a six-wicket win.

Australia 348/8 in 50 overs (Ben McDermott 104; Shaheen Afridi 4-63) lost to Pakistan 352/4 in 49 overs (Babar Azam 114; Adam Zampa 2-71) by 6 wickets with 6 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Babar Azam.

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