LAHORE, June 3 (HS): Australia bounced back in emphatic fashion to defeat Pakistan by 41 runs in the second One-Day International played in Lahore on Tuesday night, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. On a slow surface offering low bounce, Australian pacer Nathan Ellis produced a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Australia endured a disastrous start. Alex Carey was dismissed off the very first ball of the innings, while Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne also departed cheaply, leaving the visitors struggling at 51/3.

The innings was then rebuilt by Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, who stitched together a vital half-century partnership to stabilize the innings. Inglis played aggressively for 51 runs, while Green contributed a composed 53.

Further useful contributions from Matt Renshaw and Oliver Peake helped Australia recover. Peake struck a boundary and a six in the final over as Australia posted a competitive 231/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Chasing 232 for victory, Pakistan also suffered an early collapse. Maaz Sadaqat was bowled in the opening over, while Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam and Salman Agha fell in quick succession.

Pakistan’s top order crumbled against the disciplined bowling of Ellis, Short and Adam Zampa, with the hosts reduced to 78/6.

A spirited fightback followed through Shadab Khan, who partnered with Arafat Minhas in a crucial stand that briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes. Shadab battled hard for 71 runs off 104 deliveries and kept his side in contention. Shaheen Shah Afridi also chipped in with some quick runs, but once he was dismissed, Pakistan’s chances faded rapidly.

Ellis returned to claim his fourth wicket before Tanveer Sangha wrapped up the innings by dismissing Shadab, as Pakistan were bowled out for 190 in 44.1 overs.

Brief Scores:

Australia: 231/9 in 50 overs — Cameron Green 53, Josh Inglis 51; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/36, Arafat Minhas 2/27.

Pakistan: 190 all out in 44.1 overs — Shadab Khan 71; Nathan Ellis 4/33, Matthew Short 3/36.

Result: Australia won by 41 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar