Pakistan secured a convincing seven-wicket victory against Australia in the second One-Day International (ODI) in Lahore, clinching the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts chased down a target of 349 with 12 balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad.
Match Summary
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a formidable total of 348 for 8 in their 50 overs. Opener Travis Head top-scored with 89, while Ben McDermott (56) and Marcus Stoinis (52) also contributed. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. grabbed two each.
In reply, Pakistan lost early wickets, including captain Babar Azam for a duck, and were reduced to 124 for 4. However, Shadab Khan (86 off 78 balls) and Abdul Samad (108 off 89) added a match-winning 176-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steer the team home. Samad's maiden ODI century included 10 fours and 3 sixes, while Shadab's knock featured 7 boundaries and 2 maximums.
Turning Point
The partnership between Shadab and Samad turned the game in Pakistan's favor after a middle-order wobble. The duo attacked the Australian spinners and pacers alike, taking the game away from the visitors.
Player of the Match
Abdul Samad was named Player of the Match for his scintillating century under pressure.
With the series already in the bag, Pakistan will look to sweep the series 3-0 in the third and final ODI scheduled for April 2 in Lahore.
