The Australian skipper – Pat Cummins played a gutsy knock under pressure, guided Australia to a hard-fought two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Chasing down a modest target of 204, Australia clinched a narrow victory against Pakistan in 33.3 overs with just two wickets in hand.
Opting to bowl first, Australia took early wickets, with Mitchell Starc dismiss Pakistan’s openers. Despite promising starts from Babar Azam (37) and newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan (44), Pakistan’s middle order faltered, struggling against the Australian bowling attack, leaving Pakistan on the back foot.
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Lower-order contributions from Naseem Shah (40) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (24) helped Pakistan reach a total of 203 with Starc emerged as Australia’s best bowler with 3/33, while Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan’s bowlers staged a commendable fightback, removing Australia’s openers early.
However, the middle-order 85-run partnership between Steve Smith (44) and Josh Inglis (49) stabilized the innings pushed the home side in a dominant position. Although Pakistan managed to take crucial wickets, the Australian lower order, led by captain Pat Cummins scored a match-winning 32 off 31 balls, guiding Australia home.
Australia leads the series 1-0, and both teams now turn their attention to the second ODI scheduled to be played on November 08, [Friday] as Pakistan seeks to level the series.
