A second-string Australian side fought back in the second ODI after losing the first match, handing Pakistan a 41-run defeat at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Nathan Ellis was Australia’s chief destroyer, claiming 4/33 while defending a total of 231. With the victory, the visitors levelled the three-match series at 1–1 with one game remaining.
On a rank turner, Ellis dismantled Pakistan with his best figures in the format. Opening the bowling, the right-arm pacer dismissed Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam, while Matthew Kuhnemann removed Sahibzada Farhan. During the middle overs, Matthew Short, Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa inflicted further damage as the conditions favoured the spinners.
With Pakistan at 78/6, an early finish seemed likely, but a fighting 59-run partnership between Arafat Minhas and Shadab Khan kept the hosts in the contest. As the stand began to flourish, Ellis returned and trapped Minhas lbw. Shadab continued to battle, scoring 71, but he ran out of partners as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 190.
Earlier in the match, half-centuries from captain Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, along with valuable contributions from Matthew Renshaw and Oliver Peake, helped Australia post a total in excess of 220. Shaheen Shah Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking three wickets.