Australia outclassed Pakistan by two wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, securing a win with 99 balls to spare.
Australia Triumphs in First ODI Against Pakistan
In an exhilarating first ODI of the three-match series, Australia managed to outclass Pakistan by two wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), clinching victory with 99 balls to spare. The Cummins-led squad chased a target of 204 runs, overcoming a brief scare due to Haris Rauf’s rapid triple-strike that revived Pakistan’s hopes mid-innings.
Match Highlights
Australia’s Performance:
- Chase Leadership: Australian skipper Pat Cummins remained unbeaten on 32 runs off 31 balls, guiding his team to a successful chase alongside Mitchell Starc, who played a pivotal role early on by removing both Pakistani openers.
- Key Contributions: Josh Inglis top-scored for Australia with a brisk 49 off 42 balls, while Steve Smith chipped in with a solid 44 off 46 deliveries. Cummins’ finishing touch ensured Australia crossed the finish line comfortably.
Pakistan’s Struggle:
- Top Scorers: Pakistan’s innings was led by Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a steady 44 runs off 71 balls, and Babar Azam, who contributed 37 runs off 44 balls. Naseem Shah provided a late surge with a quick-fire 40 runs off 39 balls.
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan-Led Pakistan Cricket Team for Australia Tour - Bowling Efforts: Haris Rauf’s triple-strike and Shaheen Afridi’s 2/43 in 10 overs highlighted Pakistan’s bowling attack, but it wasn’t enough to defend their total of 203 runs.
Bowling Prowess:
- Starc’s Impact: Mitchell Starc was instrumental with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs in his 10 overs, setting the tone for Australia’s disciplined bowling performance.
- Cummins and Zampa: Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa also contributed effectively, with Cummins claiming 2/39 in 9.4 overs and Zampa taking 2/64 in his 10-over spell, limiting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities.
Pitch Challenges
After the game, Steve Smith acknowledged the challenges posed by the pitch, particularly the variable bounce that complicated shot selection for batsmen. Despite these challenges, Australia showcased their resilience and depth in both batting and bowling departments, setting the stage for an exciting series.
Conclusion
With this victory, Australia takes a 1-0 lead in the series, displaying their bowling prowess and resilience in chasing down a modest target. Pakistan will aim to regroup and bounce back in the next match, while Australia will look to build on their strong start.