In a thrilling finish, Australia, led by captain Pat Cummins, secured a narrow two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international (ODI) in Melbourne. Cummins contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 32 runs and taking two wickets, as Australia chased down a target of 204, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan batted first and managed to score 203 runs in 46.4 overs, struggling against the Australian pace attack on a bouncy pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia appeared to be in control at 113-2 after 16.2 overs, thanks to solid performances from Steve Smith and Josh Inglis. However, Pakistan’s fast bowlers made a late comeback, claiming five wickets for just 45 runs, raising the tension in the match.
Despite the wobble, Cummins remained composed and guided Australia to victory alongside fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc. This match marked Cummins’ return to ODIs since the World Cup final, further establishing his reputation for leading Australia out of challenging situations.
Cummins reflected on the match, stating, “Tonight we got it done. I always much prefer sitting in the changing room, but it was a wonderful match. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked in the end.”
The crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was modest, with 25,800 fans in attendance. Pakistani bowler Rauf sparked excitement among his supporters with an impressive spell, taking two wickets in consecutive balls, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell.
Starc was named the player of the match for his three-wicket haul, which included both of Pakistan’s openers. Babar Azam returned to the Pakistan lineup after being dropped for the recent Tests against England, scoring 37 runs before being dismissed by leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
Saim Ayub made his ODI debut, but both he and fellow opener Abdullah Shafique fell early to Starc. Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 44 runs, while debutant Irfan Khan contributed 22 before being run out. Tailenders Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi added crucial runs to push Pakistan past the 200-run mark.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE