Australia Outplayed by Pakistan in 2nd ODI: Green's Century in Vain as Babar's Men Dominate
The second One Day International (ODI) between Australia and Pakistan in Lahore saw a dominant performance from the home team, who convincingly outplayed the Aussies by 118 runs. Despite a valiant century from Mitchell Marsh, Pakistan's bowlers and batsmen proved too strong for the visitors, handing them a heavy defeat and a 2-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan's Dominant Batting Display Sets the Tone
Pakistan's innings was built around a solid foundation laid by openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman. The duo shared a 124-run partnership, with Imam scoring a patient 68 before falling to Mitchell Starc. Fakhar, meanwhile, continued his impressive form, smashing 107 runs off 109 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes.
The middle order continued the momentum, with Mohammad Rizwan (36) and Babar Azam (47) adding crucial runs. Pakistan eventually posted a formidable total of 348/8, their highest ODI score against Australia.
Marsh's Century Goes in Vain
Australia's chase got off to a shaky start, losing both openers early. Marsh, however, stood firm and played a lone hand, reaching his century off just 86 balls. He was the only Australian batsman to offer any resistance, smashing 118 runs before falling to Shaheen Afridi.
The rest of the Australian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, failing to build any meaningful partnerships. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 230 in the 44th over, suffering a heavy defeat.
Pakistan's Bowling Attack on Fire
The Pakistani bowling attack was simply outstanding, keeping a tight lid on the Australian run rate throughout the innings. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3/34. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf also impressed, picking up two wickets each.
Looking Ahead
Australia will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage anything from the series. Their batting performance was woeful, and their bowlers were unable to contain Pakistan's aggressive batting. They will need to find a way to improve their overall game if they want to avoid a whitewash in the third ODI.
This dominant performance by Pakistan has shown their strength and confidence in their home conditions. They will be aiming for a clean sweep in the series, and the Australian team will have to be at their very best to stop them.
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