Australia secured a 41-run victory over Pakistan in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Lahore on Tuesday, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Nathan Ellis led the bowling attack with a remarkable four-wicket haul, while half-centuries from Josh Inglis and Cameron Green anchored the Australian innings.
Match Summary
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. The spinners Arafat Minhas and Abrar Ahmed struck early, reducing Australia to 51 for 3 in the 11th over. Alex Carey, Matt Short, and Marnus Labuschagne were dismissed cheaply. Josh Inglis then partnered with Cameron Green, adding 50 runs before Inglis was bowled by Arafat for 51 off 74 balls, including five boundaries. Green continued to hold the innings together, sharing a 65-run stand with Matt Renshaw, who scored a brisk 43 off 43 balls with three fours. Green reached his half-century in 92 balls, hitting one four and two sixes. Late contributions from Oliver Peake, who made 31 off 32 balls with a four and two sixes, helped Australia post a total of 231 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 36, while Arafat Minhas (2 for 27), Abrar Ahmed (2 for 34), and Haris Rauf (2 for 49) also chipped in.
Pakistan's Chase
In response, Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure from Australia's spinners. Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, and Matt Short combined to reduce Pakistan to 78 for 6. Minhas (33 off 43 balls, four fours) and Shadab Khan then staged a recovery, adding 59 runs for the seventh wicket. Shadab fought valiantly, scoring 71 off 104 balls with four fours and three sixes, but was the last wicket to fall as Pakistan were bowled out for 190 in 44 overs.
Nathan Ellis was the standout bowler for Australia, finishing with figures of 4 for 33. Matt Short also impressed with 3 for 36, while Zampa, Kuhnemann, and Tanveer Sangha each took one wicket. Ellis was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
Key Performances
- Nathan Ellis: 4 for 33 in 10 overs
- Josh Inglis: 51 runs off 74 balls
- Cameron Green: 50 runs off 92 balls
- Shadab Khan: 71 runs off 104 balls
The series now moves to the third and final ODI, which will be a decider at the same venue.
