Melbourne, Nov 4 (UNI) Chasing a modest Pakistan total here, Australia's chase was nearly derailed by Haris Rauf's pace before Pat Cummins pulled off a rescue act with the bat.
After the likes of Mitchell Starc (3/33) and Pat Cummins (2/39) had helped bowl Pakistan out for 203 in the first ODI in Melbourne, Australia looked well on track with an 85-run stand between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis. However, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf, featuring in his first ODI since the Cricket World Cup 2023 stung Australia's chase with a brilliant spell.
Rauf dealt three massive blows in the form of Steven Smith, Marcus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell between the 17th and 21st overs. He dismissed Labuschagne and Maxwell off consecutive deliveries in the 21st over.