Follow UsAfter the hammering in the first ODI, Pakistan had to bounce back to regain some momentum in the three-match ODI series. However, it was a similar start to the second game, where the visitors, spearheaded by Travis Head did the damage early on. Ben McDermott cashed in on the ‘Head’ start, scoring his maiden ODI century, showing his real worth in the middle-order.
And with late efforts from Sean Abbott, who scored a 16-ball 28, Australia ended up with a total of 348, two shy of the 350-run mark. If Pakistan chased it down, it would be the highest ever-chase for the Men in Green, in the 50-over format. Their openers – Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq gave them the perfect possible start.
While Zaman was undone, his partner, Imam continued to notch up a brilliant century, only for skipper Babar Azam to outdo him, becoming the fastest player to score 15 ODI centuries. In the post-match presentation, Imam reflected on the win, stating that the hosts were always confident of the run-chase.
"Thanks to almighty Allah and my parents. It's just a process. I know my game. I just want to back myself. I worked really hard for this and it feels really special when all these things happen. It all comes down to the self-belief. We knew we could chase that,” Imam said.
“Once you get into the middle overs, we had plans that one has to get through the overs. Luckily me and Babs (Babar) got rid of the overs. We thought if we can stay there and chase it, alhamdulillah we were lucky today. There's always a margin of improvement for every batsman. I really appreciate all the criticism. We need to work more on strike rate but we really focus on the hurdle and on the management and what is important for us,” he added, talking about the plans in the middle with the skipper Babar Azam.
The duo, during their stay in the middle counter-attacked the visitors, with a scintillating partnership, which never gave the game away. They scored 111 runs in 24 overs, a phase that saw the hosts claim the contest.
“We know each other's games very well. We really back each other and have that belief that we can win matches. If you play so much cricket, you know each other's weaknesses and strengths and that helps. We really needed that win for the team to boost up. They're a really good batting and fielding side. The day after tomorrow is going to be a good match."
Meanwhile, Australian skipper Aaron Finch credited the opening partnership between the two left-handers, Fakhar and Imam, stating that the partnership allowed the Pakistani middle-order to cruise control in Lahore.
"I think that opening partnership set the foundation for the game for Pakistan. When you're 100 for 0 down, it allows the rest of the guys to play free and Babar came in and played an unbelievable knock. I thought 350 [sic 348] was a good score but not to be. Less dew tonight than there was the other night. The wicket played very well throughout the night. It was a beautiful one-day wicket,” said Finch.
With the series tied at 1-1, the third ODI on Saturday would ultimately decide the better side, at the Gaddafi Stadium.