In the first ODI of the Australian summer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered, managing only 203 runs before being bowled out. Australia dominated the innings from the beginning, and if it hadn’t been for Naseem Shah’s late hitting, Pakistan’s total would have been even lower, falling well short of the 200-run mark.
Babar Azam gets off to a promising start
Australia’s pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, wasted no time making an impact, dismissing debutant Saim Ayub in just the second over, as Ayub chopped a delivery onto his stumps. Pakistan found their first boundary in the sixth over, but soon after, Abdullah Shafique was removed, adding to the early pressure.
In their first ODI in nearly a year, Pakistan looked to dependable batters Babar Azam and new captain Mohammad Rizwan to steer the innings. Babar, who has faced a rough patch in recent Tests, appeared to regain his touch in the ODI format, delighting fans with a few crisp boundaries and showing signs of a strong innings.
Also WATCH: Pat Cummins removes Kamran Ghulam with a ferocious bouncer in the 1st ODI | AUS vs PAK
Adam Zampa’s exceptional delivery sends Babar packing
Just as Babar seemed set to anchor Pakistan’s innings, Adam Zampa delivered a remarkable ball that changed the game. In the 18th over, Zampa bowled a quicker delivery that stayed low and skidded through, catching Babar off guard. Misjudging the length, Babar opted to play it from the back foot, a move that proved costly. Aiming to flick it, he left an opening, allowing the ball to slip through and knock over the off-stump. Zampa’s skillful delivery turned out to be a pivotal moment, ending Babar’s promising start and shifting momentum in Australia’s favor.
Here is the video:
Aust v Pakistan ODI, MCG
Cummins calls on Adam Zampa … 4th ball Adam delivers the big wicket of Babar Azam
What a gun !
Let’s goooooo Australia 🇦🇺!!
Pak 3/63…17 overs… pic.twitter.com/VTfgkWXEtj
— Crickettragic (@Crickettrag1965) November 4, 2024
Also READ: AUS vs PAK 2024, 3 ODIs: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, Pakistan, USA, UK & other countries
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