Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Cricket is more than just a sport in Australia and Pakistan—it’s a passion that unites millions. When the Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, you can expect fireworks. Both teams have a rich history, with Australia known for their disciplined, aggressive style and Pakistan for their unpredictable flair. In this article, we’ll dive into a recent clash between these two cricketing giants, breaking down the match scorecard and key moments in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand, whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into the game.

The Build-Up to the Match

The Australian Men’s Cricket Team, often called the Baggy Greens in Test cricket or the Aussies in limited-overs formats, is a powerhouse. They’ve won the ICC Cricket World Cup a record six times and are currently ranked first in the ICC Test Rankings as of January 2025. On the other hand, the Pakistan National Cricket Team, known for their fiery pace bowlers and explosive batsmen, has a knack for pulling off upsets. They’ve won the ICC World Cup once in 1992 and the T20 World Cup in 2009, and they’re always a dangerous side.

This particular match we’re focusing on is the second One-Day International (ODI) from the Pakistan tour of Australia in November 2024, played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The series was tied 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI, setting the stage for a crucial showdown. Fans were buzzing with excitement, eager to see if Pakistan’s pace attack could outshine Australia’s formidable batting lineup or if the Aussies would dominate at home.

The Match: Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, 2nd ODI, November 2024

Let’s set the scene. The MCG was packed with fans under a clear Australian sky. Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, came in with a fierce bowling attack featuring Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah. What followed was a match that showcased Pakistan’s bowling brilliance and a clinical chase.

Australia’s Innings: A Struggle Against Pakistan’s Pace

Australia’s batting lineup, featuring stars like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Josh Inglis, started steadily but soon ran into trouble. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Haris Rauf, were on fire. Rauf’s pace and movement dismantled Australia’s middle order, and he ended with a stunning 5 wickets for 29 runs (5/29). Shaheen Shah Afridi was equally lethal, picking up 3 wickets for 26 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Adam Zampa to wrap up the innings.

Australia was bowled out for just 163 runs in 35 overs—a low total by their standards and their lowest ever against Pakistan in ODI history. Steve Smith top-scored with 35 runs off 48 balls, showing some resistance, but no other batter could build a substantial innings. Seven Australian batters were dismissed in their teens, highlighting Pakistan’s relentless pressure. Mohammad Rizwan was exceptional behind the stumps, taking six catches, though he missed a chance to set a new ODI record for most catches by a wicketkeeper in a match.

Here’s a look at Australia’s batting scorecard:

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Dismissal
Jake Fraser-McGurk	13	15	2	0	Caught (Rizwan) b Afridi
Matthew Short	19	26	3	0	Caught (Rizwan) b Rauf
Steve Smith	35	48	4	0	Caught (Rizwan) b Rauf
Josh Inglis (wk)	14	22	2	0	Caught (Rizwan) b Afridi
Aaron Hardie	3	10	0	0	Caught (Rizwan) b Rauf
Glenn Maxwell	16	20	2	0	Caught (Rizwan) b Hasnain
Pat Cummins (c)	12	18	1	0	Bowled b Rauf
Mitchell Starc	10	15	1	0	LBW b Naseem
Adam Zampa	18	25	1	1	Bowled b Afridi
Josh Hazlewood	0	3	0	0	Not Out
Sean Abbott	2	8	0	0	Caught (Babar) b Rauf
Extras	21	(lb 8, w 13)
Total	163/10	35 overs

Fall of Wickets: 32/1 (Fraser-McGurk, 5.2 ov), 60/2 (Short, 10.1 ov), 93/3 (Inglis, 16.3 ov), 95/4 (Smith, 19.2 ov), 100/5 (Hardie, 21.5 ov), 120/6 (Maxwell, 25.4 ov), 130/7 (Cummins, 28.3 ov), 135/8 (Starc, 30.2 ov), 146/9 (Abbott, 32.5 ov), 163/10 (Zampa, 34.6 ov)

Pakistan’s bowlers were disciplined, with their four pacers bowling 32 of the 35 overs. Rauf was named Player of the Match for his devastating spell, while Afridi’s early breakthroughs set the tone. Saim Ayub also bowled a tidy over of spin, marking his first ODI over in the series.

Pakistan’s Chase: A Dominant Display

Chasing 164, Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, came out swinging. Ayub, in particular, was in a destructive mood, smashing an unbeaten 82 off 67 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. Shafique supported with a solid 64 not out off 62 balls, and together they chased down the target in just 26.3 overs, losing only one wicket—Babar Azam, who fell for 12.

Pakistan’s chase was clinical, finishing with 141 balls to spare, securing a nine-wicket victory. Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, couldn’t find the breakthroughs they needed. The pitch, which offered some assistance to pacers early on, became easier to bat on under the lights, and Pakistan capitalized.

Here’s Pakistan’s batting scorecard:

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Dismissal
Saim Ayub	82	67	8	3	Not Out
Abdullah Shafique	64	62	7	1	Not Out
Babar Azam	12	20	1	0	Caught (Inglis) b Starc
Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk)	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Kamran Ghulam	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Agha Salman	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Irfan Khan	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Shaheen Shah Afridi	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Haris Rauf	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Naseem Shah	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Mohammad Hasnain	0	0	0	0	Did Not Bat
Extras	6	(w 6)
Total	164/1	26.3 overs

Fall of Wickets: 45/1 (Babar Azam, 8.4 ov)

Key Moments That Defined the Match

1. Haris Rauf’s Fiery Spell: Rauf’s 5/29 was the standout performance. His ability to swing the ball and bowl at high pace troubled Australia’s batsmen, especially in the middle overs. His dismissal of Steve Smith, who edged a wide delivery to Rizwan, was a turning point.

2. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Early Strikes: Afridi removed Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Inglis early, putting Australia on the back foot. His final wicket of Zampa sealed Australia’s collapse.

3. Saim Ayub’s Explosive Batting: Ayub’s unbeaten 82 was a masterclass in aggressive batting. His cover drives and lofted shots were a treat to watch, and he ensured Pakistan’s chase was never in doubt.

4. Mohammad Rizwan’s Wicketkeeping: Rizwan’s six catches were a highlight, though he dropped a simple chance that could have made history. His sharpness behind the stumps complemented Pakistan’s bowlers perfectly.

5. Australia’s Batting Collapse: Scoring only 163 was a rare low for Australia. Their inability to build partnerships after Smith’s departure exposed their vulnerability against Pakistan’s pace attack.

What This Match Means for Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Both Teams

For Pakistan, this nine-wicket win was a statement. After losing the first ODI, they bounced back with a performance that showcased their bowling depth and batting firepower. Haris Rauf’s form is a huge positive, and Saim Ayub’s emergence as a reliable opener adds balance to their lineup. This victory leveled the series at 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider in Perth.

For Australia, the loss was a wake-up call. Pat Cummins, the captain, admitted it was one of their worst performances recently. With key players like Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood rested for the final ODI, Australia faced the challenge of regrouping with a new-look squad featuring Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie. Josh Inglis, taking over as captain, had a tough task ahead to clinch the series.

A Look at the Bigger Picture

This match is part of a long-standing rivalry between Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard. Historically, Australia has dominated, with 614 ODI wins compared to Pakistan’s 526 as of January 2025. However, Pakistan has a history of upsetting Australia, notably ending their 34-match unbeaten streak in the 2011 World Cup. Matches like this one show why Pakistan is never to be underestimated—they can turn the tables with their unpredictable brilliance.

The MCG clash also highlighted the contrast in styles. Australia relies on consistency and depth, while Pakistan thrives on individual brilliance and momentum. Fans love this rivalry because it’s unpredictable—one day, Australia’s batsmen might dominate; theAuxiliary next, Pakistan’s bowlers could steal the show.

Why This Match Matters to Fans

If you’re new to cricket, this match is a perfect example of why the sport is so exciting. It had everything: fast bowling, brilliant catches, and a thrilling chase. For younger fans, players like Saim Ayub, who’s only 22, show that cricket is a game where young talent can shine. For older fans, it’s a reminder of classic Australia-Pakistan battles, like the 1999 World Cup or the 2011 upset.

The scorecards tell the story of a day when Pakistan’s bowlers and batsmen clicked in unison. Whether you’re cheering for the Baggy Greens or the Green Shirts, this match was a celebration of cricket’s unpredictability and charm.

Conclusion

The second ODI between Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard at the MCG was a classic display of cricket’s highs and lows. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, dismantled Australia for 163, and Saim Ayub’s blistering 82 ensured a comfortable chase. The scorecards above capture the numbers, but the real story is in the passion, skill, and drama that unfolded.