Pakistan Bowlers Take Control as Australia Reach 62/3 in 2nd ODI

Australia endured a difficult start in the Pakistan vs Australia 2nd ODI as the visitors slipped to 62/3 after 13.1 overs at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan's bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the outset, striking at crucial moments to gain the upper hand early in the innings.

Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone with the very first delivery of the match, dismissing Alex Carey for a duck and giving Pakistan the ideal start. The early breakthrough immediately put Australia on the defensive and forced their batters into a rebuilding effort.

Matthew Short and captain Josh Inglis attempted to stabilize the innings with a measured partnership. Short managed 15 runs from 24 balls, including two boundaries, before spinner Abrar Ahmed broke the stand with a timely wicket. The breakthrough further increased the pressure on the Australian batting lineup.

Pakistan continued to tighten its grip when Arafat Minhas removed Marnus Labuschagne for just five runs. Labuschagne failed to settle at the crease and was caught by Salman Agha, leaving Australia struggling at 51/3.

Despite the wickets falling around him, Josh Inglis showed composure at the crease. The Australian skipper remained unbeaten on 28 from 33 deliveries, striking three boundaries while trying to guide his side through a challenging phase. Cameron Green provided support at the other end and was unbeaten on six.

Pakistan's bowling unit operated with excellent discipline throughout the opening spell. Shaheen provided the early breakthrough, Haris Rauf kept the scoring rate in check, while Abrar Ahmed and Arafat Minhas combined effectively to pick up key middle-order wickets. Their tight lines and consistent pressure prevented Australia from building momentum.

Australia managed only 51 runs during the first powerplay and found scoring opportunities hard to come by against Pakistan's disciplined attack. With three wickets already down and the run rate firmly under control, the hosts held the upper hand in the early stages of this crucial Pak vs Aus encounter and looked well placed heading into the middle overs.

Match Situation

Australia: 62/3 in 13.1 overs

Josh Inglis: 28* (33)

Cameron Green: 6* (9)

Wickets:

• Alex Carey 0
• Matthew Short 15
• Marnus Labuschagne 5

Pakistan Wicket-Takers:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/16
• Abrar Ahmed 1/14
• Arafat Minhas 1/17

Prediction

Pakistan holds the advantage after reducing Australia to 62/3. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green need a strong partnership to rebuild the innings and push the total beyond 240. 

If Pakistan continues striking regularly, Australia could struggle to reach 220, making the hosts favorites to win the match and series.