Rauf, Ayub help Pakistan end drought in Australia

Pakistan beat Australia by 5 wickets in Sydney

Partnership of 67 off 76 delivers victory for tourists

Haris Rauf and Mohammad Ayub starred with bat and ball as Pakistan ended their one-day international drought in Australia with a five-wicket victory in Sydney on Tuesday.

Pakistan had not won an ODI in Australia since January 2017, but Rauf’s 3-39 and Player of the Match Ayub’s unbeaten 50 off 76 balls steered them to a famous victory.

Chasing 211 for victory, Pakistan looked in trouble when they slumped to 122-5 in the 27th over. Babar Azam (27), Fakhar Zaman (25) and Khushdil Shah (8) made starts but failed to go on.

However, Rauf and Ayub came together and steadied the innings. They put on 67 for the sixth wicket to put Pakistan back in control.

Rauf was eventually out for 29, but Ayub saw Pakistan home with an unbeaten 50 from 76 balls.

Earlier, Ayub had taken 2-31 with the ball to help restrict Australia to 210 all out. Adam Zampa (59 off 82 balls) top-scored for the hosts, but they were unable to post a big total on a slow SCG pitch.

The win is a major boost for Pakistan, who are now 1-0 up in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played in Adelaide on Friday night.

Pakistan’s victory in Sydney is a significant one for the tourists. It is their first ODI win in Australia since 2017 and it gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Rauf and Ayub were the stars for Pakistan. Rauf’s 3-39 with the ball helped restrict Australia to 210 all out, while Ayub’s unbeaten 50 off 76 balls steered Pakistan to victory.

The win is a major boost for Pakistan, who will now be confident of winning the series. They will be looking to seal the series in the second ODI in Adelaide on Friday night.