Haris, Saim star as Pakistan level ODI series against Australia

Pakistan produced a commanding performance led by Haris Rauf with the ball and Saim Ayub with the bat as the Men Green staged a remarkable comeback to secured a comprehensive nine-wicket victory against Australia on Friday at the Adelaide Oval.

Haris bagged a fifer followed by a crisp 82-run knock from the left hander Saim, Pakistan leveled the three-match series 1-1.

The southpaw smashed six maximums and five boundaries in his 71-ball knock. He was well supported by Abdullah Shafique, who scored an unbeaten 64 of 69 deliveries. Babar Azam scored 15 not out.

Adam Zampa took the only wicket for the home side, when he broke the 137-run opening stand in the 21^st over.

Earlier, Haris ripped apart Australian batting lineup as they were bowled out for just 163 in 35^th over.

He ended up with the figures of five for 29 from eight overs, while he was well supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who grabbed three wickets to end Australia’s innings in 35^th over.

After being put into bat, Australian batting made a struggling start with both openers back into the hut with just 41 runs on the scoreboard. Both of them were removed by Shaheen Afridi.

Steve Smith and Josh Inglis showed some fightback with the bat as the duo made a vital 38-run contribution for the third wicket for the home side.

At the score of 79, Inglis was caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan to trigger Australia collapse. He scored 18. This was Haris’ first wicket in the game.

Following that, Haris removed Marnus Labuschagne (6) to reduce the Aussies to 87-4.

Smith (34) was caught behind by Rizwan on Mohammad Hasain’s delivery. He ended up with the figures of 1-27 from his six overs.

Hairs then removed both Aaron Hardie (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16) in quick succession to further dent Australia.

He completed his fifer by removing captain Pat Cummins, who scored 17.

Shaheen Afridi ended the proceeding for Australia in the 35^th over by bowling out Adam Zampa.

Pakistan need 164 runs to win to level the three-match series 1-1.