In a thrilling series opener between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the hosts secured a 2-wicket victory after a challenging chase of 204.

Pakistan’s batting struggles to build momentum

Put in to bat first, Pakistan struggled to build substantial partnerships as Australian bowlers regularly struck to keep their score in check. Opener Abdullah Shafique managed only 12 runs off 26 balls before falling, while his partner Saim Ayub was dismissed early for 1. Babar Azam provided stability at the top, scoring a composed 37 off 44 balls with four boundaries, but his dismissal left Pakistan in a precarious position.

Mohammad Rizwan’s 44 off 71 balls, including two fours and a six, anchored the innings during the middle overs. However, wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, leaving Pakistan unable to establish a solid foundation. Contributions from the lower order, including Shaheen Afridi’s quick-fire 24 off 19 and a surprising 40 off 39 by Naseem Shah with four towering sixes, pushed Pakistan’s total to a defendable 203. Australia’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mitchell Starc leading with 3 wickets for 33 runs in his 10 overs. Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa supported well, each chipping in with two wickets.

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Australia’s unsteady chase in response

Australia’s chase got off to an unstable start as Matthew Short was dismissed for just 1. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Steve Smith tried to regain momentum, with Smith anchoring the innings with a solid 44 off 46 balls, hitting six fours. However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Haris Rauf emerging as the standout bowler, taking 3 for 67 in his 9 overs, while Shaheen Afridi’s consistent pace bowling yielded 2 wickets for 43 runs.

Josh Inglis played a crucial knock of 49 off 42, keeping Australia in the hunt with four boundaries and three sixes. Despite losing wickets in clusters, skipper Cummins contributed significantly with 32 not out off 31 balls, including four boundaries. With two wickets in hand, Australia reached 204 in 33.3 overs, clinching a tense victory by two wickets.

Pakistan’s spirited bowling kept the match alive until the very end, but Australia’s lower order held firm to seal the win.

Key takeaways from the match

Mitchell Starc brilliance with the ball and a gritty knock with the bat earned him Player of the Match award, showcasing his crucial role in Australia’s hard-fought victory. The two teams will next face off on Friday, November 8, at the Adelaide Oval, where Pakistan will look to bounce back and level the series.

Also READ: AUS vs PAK – Mitchell Starc makes history for Australia by breaking Brett Lee’s ODI record

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