PAK vs AUS: Australia clinches thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in first ODI

In a nail-biting encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins showcased his composure under pressure, leading his team to a dramatic two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series.

Chasing a modest target of 204 runs, Australia achieved victory in just 33.3 overs, finishing the match after losing eight wickets. Cummins remained not out on 32, demonstrating vital leadership and resilience during the tense chase.

Australia won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that paid off as Mitchell Starc made an explosive start by dismissing both of Pakistan's openers within the first seven overs, reducing the visitors to a precarious 24 for 2.

Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, attempted to stabilize the innings, scoring 37 runs off 44 balls. He formed a crucial 39-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan for the third wicket before falling to Adam Zampa, who bowled him out with a well-placed delivery.

The Pakistan innings continued to struggle, with Kamran Ghulam managing only a single boundary before succumbing to a well-directed bouncer from Cummins. Sean Abbott compounded Pakistan’s woes by dismissing Salman Ali for just 12 runs, leaving them reeling at 101 for 5.

Rizwan fought hard, scoring 44 runs from 71 balls, but his dismissal came via a top edge off Marnus Labuschagne, caught by wicketkeeper Josh Inglis while attempting a sweep shot.

Lower-order contributions from Irfan Khan (22) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (24) provided some resistance, but it was Naseem Shah who provided the late fireworks. His blistering cameo of 40 runs, which included four sixes and a four, helped Pakistan surpass the 200-run mark before Cummins dismissed him, concluding Pakistan's innings at 203.

Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs, while Cummins and Zampa chipped in with two wickets apiece, effectively stifling Pakistan's scoring opportunities.

With this thrilling win, Australia sets the tone for the remaining matches in the series, while Pakistan will look to regroup and bounce back in the second ODI.

Australia Playing XI: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (WK), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (C), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.