Melbourne, November 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: Australia secured a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in a nail-biting first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a modest 204-run target set by Pakistan, Australia overcame early setbacks and fierce Pakistani bowling to reach the target in 34 overs.
Australia’s pursuit started shakily, losing openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short within the first four overs with just 28 runs on the board. However, a steadying 85-run partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis brought stability, positioning Australia strongly. Despite Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Haris Rauf (3 wickets) and Shaheen Afridi (2 wickets), Australian captain Pat Cummins (32*) held firm, guiding his team to victory.
Earlier, Pakistan, after being sent in to bat, struggled against Australia’s bowling attack and was bowled out for 203 in the 47th over. Pakistan’s innings had a challenging start, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq dismissed early by Mitchell Starc, leaving Pakistan at 24-2. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam formed a 39-run partnership to rebuild, but Adam Zampa’s introduction into the attack turned the tide as he dismissed Babar, who scored a careful 37 off 44 balls.
Pakistan’s middle order then faced a collapse, with three wickets falling rapidly, including that of Rizwan, who top-scored with 44 off 71 balls. Debutant Muhammad Irfan Khan, in partnership with Shaheen Afridi and later Naseem Shah, added critical runs to lift Pakistan’s total. Naseem contributed a powerful late cameo, smashing 40 off 39 balls, including a four and four sixes, giving Pakistan a competitive total.
Starc led the Australian bowling with three wickets, supported by Zampa and Cummins with two each. Sean Abbott and Marnus Labuschagne also contributed with a wicket apiece.
The closely contested match showcased determined performances from both teams, setting up an exciting remainder of the series.
