Australia clinched a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, marking a strong start to their three-match series. The victory came after a tight chase of Pakistan’s modest 204-run target, which Australia achieved in 34 overs, securing a narrow edge over the visitors.
Strong Start for Pakistan’s Bowlers
Australia’s chase got off to a rocky start as Pakistani bowlers made early inroads. Both openers, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, fell cheaply within the first four overs, with Australia reeling at 28-2. However, veteran Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis countered with a critical 85-run partnership, bringing stability and momentum to Australia’s innings.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Fight Back
Despite Smith and Inglis’s stand, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the game alive. Haris Rauf claimed three wickets, while Shaheen Afridi picked up two, creating tense moments in Australia’s middle order. Yet, Australian skipper Pat Cummins (32*), showing resilience, steered his team across the line in a low-scoring thriller.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to build momentum against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. After winning the toss, Australia’s bowlers put Pakistan on the back foot. Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub fell early to Mitchell Starc’s pace, reducing Pakistan to 24-2 within the first seven overs.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batsman Babar Azam forged a 39-run partnership, temporarily steadying the innings. However, Adam Zampa’s introduction turned the game as he dismissed Babar for 37 in the 18th over. Babar’s wicket sparked a middle-order collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 117-6.
Late Fightback from Pakistan’s Lower Order
After Pakistan’s top order faltered, debutant Muhammad Irfan Khan and Shaheen Afridi tried to rebuild with a 31-run partnership, injecting some life into the innings. Irfan, in particular, impressed, scoring 22 off 35 balls before getting run out.
Naseem Shah’s late surge brought Pakistan closer to a competitive score. He smashed four sixes and a four in his quickfire 40 off 39 balls, adding vital runs and boosting Pakistan’s total to 203 before they were bowled out in the 47th over.
Starc Leads Australian Bowling Attack
Starc spearheaded Australia’s bowling, taking three crucial wickets, while Zampa and Cummins each chipped in with two. Sean Abbott and Marnus Labuschagne picked up one wicket apiece, restricting Pakistan’s scoring and setting up a manageable chase.
Teams and Series Schedule
Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.
Australia Playing XI: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Upcoming Matches:
- November 8 – Second ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- November 10 – Third ODI, Perth Stadium, Perth
With Australia leading the series 1-0, both teams will head to Adelaide for the next ODI, where Pakistan will look to level the series.
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