Ellis, Inglis, Green shine as Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs in 2nd ODI
Lahore, June 2
Half-centuries from Josh Inglis and Cameron Green and a four-wicket haul from Nathan Ellis were standouts as Australia secured a 41-run win over Pakistan in a low-scoring match at Lahore on Tuesday.
With this win, Australia has levelled the three-match series 1-1.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. Spinners Arafat Minhas and Abrar Ahmed dominated the proceedings early on, reducing Australia to 51/3 in 10.4 overs, losing Alex Carey (0), Matt Short (15) and Marnus Labuschagne (5).
Inglis went on to have a half-century partnership with Cameron Green, before Arafat cleaned up his stumps for 74-ball 51, with five fours. Green also went on to have a 65-run stand with Matt Renshaw (43 in 43 balls, with three fours) and scored a much-needed half-century in 92 balls, with a four and two sixes.
Towards the end, valuable runs from Oliver Peake (31 in 32 balls, with a four and two sixes) took Australia to 231/9.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/36), Arafat (2/27), Abrar (2/34) and Haris Rauf (2/49) were among the wickets for Pakistan.
During the chase, Pakistan collapsed to 78/6, courtesy of spin assault from Matt Kuhnemann, Short and Adam Zampa. Minhas (33 in 43 balls, with four boundaries) and Shadab Khan put on a 59-run stand for the seventh wicket. Shadab (71 in 104 balls, with a four fours and three sixes) was the last wicket to fall as Pakistan skittled out for 190 in 44 overs.
Ellis (4/33) was the top wicket-taker for Australia, while Short (3/36) was also lethal. Zampa, Kuhnemann and Tanveer Sangha got a wicket each.
Ellis took home the 'Player of the Match' award.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I think Pakistan made a mistake by bowling first. The pitch seemed to get slower as the match progressed, and chasing 230 on a tricky surface was always going to be tough. Credit to Inglis and Green for rebuilding after that early collapse - that's what good teams do. Australia showed better temperament under pressure. 🇮🇳
As an Indian fan watching this series, I feel Pakistan is missing that X-factor player in their middle order. Shadab showed fight but where was the support? And honestly, Arafat Minhas looks promising - he can bat and bowl. Pakistan should persist with him. Ellis taking 4/33 shows how good Australia's pace reserves are even without their main bowlers.
Good comeback by Australia after losing the first match! Their spin trio of Kuhnemann, Short and Zampa did exactly what they needed to do. Pakistan's batting sorry state continues - 78/6 is unacceptable at any level. Shadab's innings was good but it's a shame no one else stayed with him. Australia deserved this win for their fighting spirit. 🎯
This was a match where both teams had moments of dominance but Australia handled the pressure better. Inglis and Green's partnership was the turning point - from 51/3 to a competitive total. Matt Renshaw's cameo at the end was crucial too. For Pakistan, Shaheen bowled well upfront but batting let them down again. Australia 1-1, final ODI should be a cracker!
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