Melbourne : Australia defeated Pakistan by 2 wickets at MCG in a thrilling encounter in 1st ODI, despite brilliant spells from Pakistani pacers.
Chasing 204 runs, Australia lost Matthew Short (1) & James Fraser McGurk (16) for 18 runs. Steven Smith (44) & Josh Inglis (49) notched up quick fire 95 runs partnership to put Aussies in commanding position.
However, the men in green turned the game with help of pacers Haris Rauf (3/67), Shaheen Afridi (2/43), Naseem Shah (1/39) & Md Hasnain (1/51) , as they not only took wickets but also kept the Batters under pressure with short Balls.
In no time, Australia were reduced to 155-7. However, skipper Pat Cummins (32*) held his nerves till the end, constantly ticking score board and scoring occasional boundaries, and ultimately guided Australia past the scoreline with 2 wickets to spare, in 33.3 overs.
Earlier in 1st innings, despite flamboyant innings of Babar Azam (37) & Md Rizwan (44), Aussie bowlers with likes of Mitchell Starc (3/33), Cummins (2/39), Adam Zampa (2/64) bundled up Pakistani top and middle order.
Naseem Shah (40) played an ending cameo to take Pakistan to 203 (16.4).
Starc was adjourned the Man of The Match for his heroic spell.
The 2 teams will face each other at Adelaide on November 8, 2024 for 2nd ODI of the 3 Match series.
Brief Scorecard :
1st Innings :
Pak : 203 (16.4)
Md Rizwan : 44 (71)
Aus :
Mitchell Starc : 3/33
2nd Innings :
Aus : 204-8 (33.3)
Josh Inglis : 49 (42)
Pak :
Haris Rauf : 3/69
Result : Australia win by 2 Wickets.
