AUS vs PAK 1st ODI Highlights

Australia secured a not so easy win by two wickets over Pakistan in the first ODI on Monday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Let’s look at AUS vs PAK 1st ODI Highlights.

After restricting Pakistan to a low total, Australian batters struggled a bit in the low chasing total, but eventually won the game to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, thanks to skipper Pat Cummins match-saving 32*. Earlier, he bagged two wickets with the ball.

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Australia vs Pakistan, 1st ODI Highlights

Opting to bowl, the Australian bowlers proved the decision right by removing both visitors’ openers inside first seven overs of the game.  

Former skipper Babar Azam alongside the current Mohammad Rizwan added 39 for the third wicket before Azam left the crease after scoring 37.  

Despite being set and playing well Azam tried to flick Zampa’s not so short delivery. Babar’s approach to stayed back and not attempt to use front foot took his off stump.  

Pakistan’s 5,6 and 7, Kamran Ghulam (5), Agha Salman (12) and Irfan Khan (22) all added combined 39 only, while Mohammad Rizwan, who was looking in decent touch, also out on 44 that put the visiting team under pressure.  

Naseem Shah showed a solid batting skill down the order and scored 40 off 39 to guide Pakistan to 203.  

Mitchell Starc bagged three wickets for Australia, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa took 2 scalps each.  

Australia to chase 204 in 50 overs

It was not a start Australia wanted at home, as they lost their first two Mathhew Short (1), and Jake Fraser McGurk (16) at the total of 28, the partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis of 85 runs for the third wicket steadied Australia’s innings, though.  

Smith was out on 44, Josh Inglis missed his half-century by a run. Australia were at 139 and required only 65 more runs in 31.2 overs with six wickets in hand when Inglis got out.  

But the Aussies then faced a tough time at MCG, as none of their batters were able to stay at the crease for long.  

However, skipper Pat Cummins stood tall above all odds and played a sensible 31-ball 32* to help his side win the opening match.  

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