Australia Secure Nail-Biting Win Over Pakistan In First ODI

MELBOURNE, Australia: In a thrilling opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia triumphed over Pakistan by two wickets in a gripping first ODI, chasing down a target of 204. Pakistan started strong with their bowling attack, and it seemed they might dominate the game. Haris Rauf was a standout performer, taking three crucial wickets, while Shaheen Afridi added to the pressure with two of his own. Their efforts initially had the Australian batting lineup on the back foot, leading to a tense atmosphere in the stadium.

However, the home side rallied, with Josh Inglis emerging as a key player, scoring a vital 49 runs. His knock steadied the innings and brought Australia closer to victory before he fell to a well-executed delivery from Afridi. Steven Smith also played an important role, contributing 44 runs before being dismissed by Rauf, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as wickets continued to tumble.

Pakistan, batting first, managed to put together 203 runs, with skipper Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge with a determined 44. Babar Azam contributed a steady 37, but the Australian bowlers proved too formidable, particularly Mitchell Starc, who unleashed his trademark pace and precision to claim three crucial wickets. Pat Cummins also made his mark, securing two vital scalps and anchoring the bowling attack.

Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to field, taking advantage of favorable overcast conditions for seam bowling.

Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, faced the fierce Australian pace attack but were unable to provide a strong start.

Saim was dismissed for just 1 run in the second over, and Abdullah, after a promising start, was removed with only 12 runs to his name. This double blow left Pakistan struggling at 24/2, putting pressure on the middle order to stabilize the innings.

Australia entered the match with some notable adjustments. Regular players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head were on paternity leave, paving the way for Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short to form a new opening partnership. Meanwhile, veteran bowler Josh Hazlewood was rested, with Sean Abbott joining the pace unit led by Cummins and Starc.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan captained the side after Babar Azam recently stepped down from leadership. Pakistan’s lineup included debutant Irfan Khan in the middle order, with a strong pace attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain. The team is being guided by interim head coach Jason Gillespie, former Australian cricketer, who stepped in after Pakistan’s white-ball coach Gary Kirsten resigned last week.

The Australian pacers made the most of the overcast conditions, with Cummins and Starc maintaining tight lines and lengths that troubled the Pakistani top order. Pakistan’s middle order now carries the responsibility of rebuilding the innings, with experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan looking to hold the fort.

Pakistan XI:

Saim Ayub

Abdullah Shafique

Babar Azam

Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)

Kamran Ghulam

Agha Salman

Irfan Khan

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Naseem Shah

Haris Rauf

Mohammad Hasnain