In the series’ second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, Pakistan held Australia to a pathetic 163 thanks to a five-wicket haul from seamer Haris Rauf.

The Men in Green lost to Australia by two wickets in the first ODI, making wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s maiden appearance as captain a disappointment.

But in the Adelaide match, Pakistan seemed to be playing with a confidence that had long been lacking from the squad.

Pakistan’s choice to have Australia bat first in the match paid off, as they were able to limit the hosts to 163.

As Shaheen Afridi got the initial breakthrough by removing Fraser-McGurk from the crease, Matthew Short (19 runs from 15 balls, 3 fours) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (13 runs from 10 balls, 3 fours) who opened for the Australians could only muster a 21-run partnership.

The home team’s top scorer was Steven Smith, who scored 35 runs off 48 balls, five fours, and one six. Smith was the only player who was able to reach the 20-run threshold.

Top players like Josh Inglis (18 runs from 25 balls, 2 fours), Marnus Labuschagne (6 runs from 11 balls), and Glenn Maxwell (16 runs from 21 balls, 1 six) were unable to contribute to their team’s total score in the first inning, demonstrating the slowness of the Australian batting.

Adam Zampa ultimately did his best to put some vital runs on the board with his 18 runs from 21 balls, 1 four, and 1 six, but Shaheen Afridi did not let it continue for long and pulled the leggie from the crease.

With fifteen overs left, Australia finished their inning with 163.

Under Rizwan’s leadership, Pakistan’s bowling assault was at its peak as they recovered. With five wickets and 29 runs in his 8-over session, Haris Rauf was the hero of the first inning. Shaheen Afridi, who had been having trouble lately, took three wickets during his eight-over stint.

In their individual stints, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain each claimed one wicket.

To win the game and tie the series, Pakistan must score 164 runs.

Australia defeated Pakistan 163 (Steven Smith 35, Adam Zampa 18; Haris Rauf 5/29).