Pakistan failed at home even against the second-string side of Australia

Australia produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 41 runs in the second ODI at Lahore, levelling the three-match series 1-1 and setting up a winner-takes-all decider.

After being put into bat, Australia recovered from an early setback to post 231 on the board. The visitors suffered a nightmare start when Alex Carey was dismissed off the very first ball of the innings. However, Josh Inglis and Matthew Short steadied the ship with a valuable partnership before Abrar Ahmed broke through, removing Short for 15.

Inglis continued to anchor the innings alongside Cameron Green, who played a composed knock under pressure. The pair absorbed Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and rebuilt the innings during the middle overs. Inglis eventually departed for a well-made 51 off 74 deliveries, but Green remained firm at the crease.

Green combined with Matt Renshaw to keep the scoreboard moving and ensure Australia finished strongly. The Australian all-rounder scored 53 runs, including three boundaries, before being dismissed. Late contributions from Renshaw and Oliver Peake helped the visitors reach a competitive total of 231.

Pakistan’s chase never truly gained momentum as the top order collapsed under pressure. The hosts lost early wickets, with the star batter managing only 16 runs, while Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat were dismissed for 3 and 0 respectively.

The middle order also struggled against Australia’s disciplined attack. Ghazi Ghori provided some resistance with a fighting 37, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Hope briefly returned for Pakistan when Shadab Khan and Arafat Minhas stitched together a crucial partnership.

The pair looked set to take the chase deep before Nathan Ellis struck a decisive blow, dismissing Minhas for 33 in the 32nd over. Despite losing partners at the other end, Shadab continued to battle and kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with a determined innings.

The all-rounder top-scored with 71 and fought until the 45th over before eventually falling, ending Pakistan’s last realistic chance of victory. The hosts were bowled out for 190, handing Australia a comfortable 41-run win.

Nathan Ellis starred with the ball, claiming four wickets and dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup at key moments. His match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match award.

With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will head into the final ODI knowing that victory will secure the series.