Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd ODI, Report: Ton-Up Babar Azam, Imam-Ul-Haq punish Australia in Pakistan’s highest ODI chase

Skipper Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq smashed excellent centuries to help Pakistan pull off their highest ODI run-chase in a six-wicket triumph over Australia in Lahore on Thursday. Azam hit an 83-ball 114 and Haq notched a 97-ball 106 as Pakistan chased down a stiff 349-run target with six balls to spare to level the three-match series at 1-1. Ben McDermott cracked a maiden ODI hundred in Australia’s imposing total of 348-8 on a flat Gaddafi Stadium pitch. The win is Pakistan’s first over Australia since Melbourne in January 2017.

In between, they had lost 10 continuous one-day internationals.

Pakistan’s triumph sets up an intriguing final match at the same venue on Saturday. Australia won the first match by 88 runs on Tuesday, also in Lahore.

Haq, who hit six boundaries and three sixes, put on a robust 118-run opening stand with Fakhar Zaman (67) off 111 balls to set the platform for the chase.

Zaman smashed seven boundaries and two sixes during his 64-ball knock before he was bowled by Marcus Stoinis.