In the second One-Day International (ODI) match against Pakistan, Australia was stunned by Haris Rauf’s explosive pace and aggressive bowling in a thrilling contest played at home. In this encounter, which took place at the storied Adelaide Oval on November 8, 2024, Australia found it difficult to counter Pakistan’s intense pace attack, especially from Rauf, who spearheaded the charge. Pakistan’s disciplined and fast bowling overcame the Kangaroos, who were only able to muster a meager 163 runs despite their home advantage and familiarity with the field.
Australia and Pakistan both wanted to dominate as they started this ODI series. The home team, Australia, showed depth and resiliency by winning the first ODI in a thrilling comeback. But in that opening game, Pakistan’s bowlers had already proven their mettle, with Australia being exposed at some points. Rauf was prepared to let loose with his pace as Pakistan sought to tie the series in the second ODI.
Australia’s Batting Collapse: Analyzing the Scorecard
Australia started the second ODI with cautious hope, but Haris Rauf’s explosive bursts quickly changed the course of the game. The scorecard that illustrates Australia’s difficulty against Pakistan’s bowlers is broken down as follows :-
1 | Matthew Short | 19 Runs |
2 | Jake Fraser-McGurk | 13 Runs |
3 | Steven Smith | 35 Runs |
4 | Josh Inglis (wk) | 18 Runs |
5 | Marnus Labuschagne | 06 Runs |
6 | Aaron Hardie | 14 Runs |
7 | Glenn Maxwell | 16 Runs |
8 | Pat Cummins © | 13 Runs |
9 | Mitchell Starc | 1 Runs |
10 | Adam Zampa | 18 Runs |
11 | Josh Hazlewood (not out) | 2 Runs |
According to the scorecard, Australian batters are frequently dismissed and are unable to form lasting partnerships. Important players like Labuschagne and Maxwell were dismissed during Rauf’s stint, which upset the middle order. Pakistan’s bowling supremacy was established when Shaheen Afridi, who was also playing well, took early wickets and eliminated the top order.
Haris Rauf's Heroic Spell
Rauf’s eight-over period saw him take five wickets for just 29 runs, making his effort nothing short of spectacular. He removed a number of important Australian batsmen with his deadly bowling :-
- Josh Inglis :- After hitting 18 runs, Inglis was caught off his well-directed pace and fell.
- Marnus Labuschagne :– Australia’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Rauf delivered a precise delivery that sent Labuschagne back for 6 runs.
- Aaron Hardie :- Rauf further contributed to Australia’s middle-order collapse by uprooting Hardie’s stumps and back for 14 runs with his lethal delivery.
- Glenn Maxwell :- Known for his aggressiveness, Maxwell was dismissed for 16 runs after falling to Rauf, leaving the field clearly agitated.
- Pat Cummins :- The Australian captain was removed for 13 runs when Rauf’s pace proved too much for him.
Rauf joined a select group of bowlers who have taken five wickets in Australian conditions as a result of this performance. Australian batters were unable to match his bowling techniques due to his accuracy and pace of delivery, which consistently destroyed any momentum they attempted to establish.
Shaheen Afridi’s Supportive Spell
Shaheen Shah Afridi successfully destroyed Australia’s top order, while Rauf controlled the middle and lower order. Early in the hosts’ innings, Afridi’s three wickets were vital in unsettling them. Among Afridi’s most significant dismissals were :-
- Matthew Short :- Afridi’s early dismissal of Short, who was known for his strong strokes, revealed Pakistan’s intentions.
- Jack Fraser :- Unable to match Afridi’s swing and pace, Fraser was trapped leg-before-wicket (LBW).
- Adam Zampa :- Despite Zampa’s last-ditch effort to comeback, Afridi’s incisive delivery terminated his stay and ended Australia’s innings at a low total.
Australia’s batsmen battled for steadiness and consistency as a result of Rauf and Afridi’s potent bowling combination.
Pakistan’s Chase: 164-Run Target
With a small goal of 164 runs, Pakistan was very confident going into the chase. After the close loss in the first ODI, they were ready to bounce back based on their prior results. In addition to ensuring victory, this run-chase provided an opportunity to demonstrate Pakistan’s increasing ability to compete in ODI cricket, especially when playing abroad.
Why Australia Struggled Against Pace
Some important lessons may be learned from Australia’s troubles against Pakistan’s bowling, particularly against Haris Rauf’s pace :-
- Dependency on Top Order :- Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne are two examples of Australia’s over-reliance on top-order players, as evidenced by their middle-order collapse.
- Poor Reverse Swing Preparation :- The Australian batsmen appeared unprepared for this challenge on a pitch that they were accustomed to, and Rauf and Afridi’s ability to produce reverse swing made it difficult.
- Mental strain from Rauf’s Early Success :- Australia was placed on the defensive by Rauf’s early wickets, which put strain on the other batsmen.
Looking Ahead: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Australia’s Bowling Concerns
This ODI series sheds light on Australia’s weaknesses as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. As Australia gets ready for a more difficult series against India, the pressure from Pakistan’s fast bowlers may be a warning flag. Australia’s top order could be a problem in the forthcoming championships if it keeps collapsing under fast deliveries.
Pakistan’s Rising Bowling Power
The players like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the way, this game demonstrates Pakistan’s increasing skill in fast bowling. Pakistan has the potential to be a strong contender in the ODI format, as seen by their ability to outperform a side like Australia under their own circumstances. Even if the series is still in progress, Haris Rauf’s spectacular performance and lightning-fast speed will live on in this match as it “blew Australia away”.
Conclusion :-
In the exciting second ODI between Australia and Pakistan, Pakistan’s bowlers—especially Haris Rauf—shone on the international scene. In addition to tying the series, Pakistan’s victory has sent a powerful message to teams everywhere. Pakistan might be on their approach to establishing their domination in international cricket if this bowling intensity is maintained. The upcoming games will show whether Australia can bounce back and whether Pakistan’s impressive stormy bowling will hold up.
