PAK vs AUS: Mitchell Starc achieves milestone on home soil in first ODI against Pakistan

In a phenomenal achievement for Australian cricket, premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc reached a significant milestone by claiming his 100th wicket on home soil in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). This remarkable feat came during Australia's first ODI against Pakistan at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Starc opened the bowling for Australia and wasted no time, dismissing Pakistan's debutant opener Saim Ayub for just one run. From over the wicket, Starc delivered a full-length ball that castled Ayub as he attempted a drive away from his body, marking the left-arm pacer's 100th ODI wicket on Australian turf.

With this achievement, Starc joins an elite group of bowlers in Australian cricket history. He is now positioned fifth in the all-time list for the most ODI wickets taken at home, trailing only behind Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Craig McDermott. The current standings reflect:

Most Wickets by Australian bowlers in Home ODIs:

Starc has consistently proven himself as a formidable force in ODIs, playing a pivotal role in numerous victories for Australia with his extraordinary bowling spells. Over the course of 125 innings, he has taken 241 wickets at an impressive average of 23.44.

Following his milestone wicket of Ayub, Starc continued his exceptional form by claiming the wicket of Abdullah Shafique shortly thereafter. Inducing an outside edge with a well-placed short ball after a series of full-length deliveries, Starc's efforts reduced Pakistan to 43 for two in just 11 overs, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease.

However, Babar Azam was dismissed by Adam Zampa after scoring 37 runs, leaving Pakistan at 63 for 3 after 17.4 overs of the match.