Pakistan humiliate Australia to square ODI series with nine-wicket rout

Pakistan's openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq bludgeoned centuries as the hosts thrashed Australia

A superb century stand between Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, and a blistering half-century from skipper Babar Azam led Pakistan to a famous nine-wicket victory over Australia.

The win levels the three-match ODI series at 1-1, with the decider to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a modest 195 for victory, Pakistan openers Shafique and Imam made light work of the Australian bowling attack.

The left-handed Imam was particularly aggressive, reaching his century off just 98 balls with 10 fours and a six.

Shafique, meanwhile, played the sheet anchor role, scoring his century off 119 balls with seven fours and a six.

Skipper Babar then came to the crease and smashed an unbeaten 57 off just 52 balls to finish the match in style.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa were the only bowlers to take wickets, but they were both expensive.

Earlier, Australia had won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings never really got going.

Opener David Warner was out for a second-ball duck, and only Travis Head (51) and Marnus Labuschagne (44) offered any real resistance.

Pakistan's bowlers were excellent, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf taking three wickets apiece.

"This was a great win for us," said Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

"The openers set the tone for us with a magnificent partnership, and I was able to finish it off with a few boundaries.

"We're now looking forward to the decider on Saturday. We know it will be a tough match, but we're confident we can win it."