Former cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Michael Vaughan have shared their thoughts following Pakistan's remarkable 2nd ODI win against Australia on Friday in Adelaide. This victory marked Pakistan's first win at this venue in 28 years, as they leveled the three-match series 1-1.
Hafeez took to the social media platform X to express his excitement, congratulating the team on their clinical performance. He praised Pakistan's bowling attack and highlighted Haris Rauf's outstanding five-wicket haul.
"Congratulations team Pakistan for winning ODI clinically in Australia 🇦🇺. Levelling the series 1-1. Haris Rauf superb bowling for his five-wicket haul. Saim Ayub & Abdullah Shafique getting confidence scoring runs for winning cause. Well done guys. Let’s win the ODI series in Australia," Hafeez tweeted.
The former all-rounder also shared his thoughts on the bowling attack, particularly Rauf’s fiery performance. "Pakistani fast bowler roaring in Australia. Hitting the right area with aggression & discipline. Australian batting line-up looked completely shambled. Well bowled for his fiver Haris Rauf. Good bowling Shaheen Afridi. Good captaincy Mohammad Rizwan," he added in another tweet.
Michael Vaughan, the former England opener, was equally impressed by Pakistan's performance. He highlighted the talent of rising star Saim Ayub, who made significant contributions with the bat.
Vaughan wrote on X, "Wow... now that’s a performance by Pakistan. Saim Ayub looks like a seriously talented player who will be a huge success across all formats for many years to come."
Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has also lavished praise on the Pakistan team for their exceptional performance, highlighting their outstanding efforts and teamwork.
"Comprehensive Victory for Pakistan XI against Australia in Australia - It's 1-1 now. Come on boys, Just one more to go," Shehzad posted.
Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to field, a decision that proved to be a masterstroke as their bowlers delivered a sensational performance. Haris Rauf spearheaded the attack with a blistering spell, claiming 5 wickets for just 29 runs in 8 overs, restricting Australia to a mere 163 runs. His spell was the highlight of a disciplined bowling display, with the rest of the Pakistani bowlers also contributing effectively.
Chasing a modest total, Pakistan's Saim Ayub put in a brilliant display with the bat, scoring 82 runs off 71 balls, including five boundaries and six sixes at a strike rate of 115.49. Abdullah Shafique, too, played his part with a composed knock of 69-ball 64 runs. Babar Azam then finished the match in style, hitting a powerful six to seal the win and bring the match to a thrilling conclusion.
The third and deciding ODI match between Pakistan and Australia is scheduled to take place in Perth on November 10