Australia’s Pat Cummins celebrates during the tense first ODI victory over Pakistan, with Pakistan’s Hasnain seen in the background.
First ODI, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Pakistan: 203 all out (46.4 overs) – Rizwan 44, Starc 3-33
Australia: 204-8 (33.3 overs) – Inglis 49, Rauf 3-67
Australia won by two wickets
Australia edged past Pakistan in a thrilling two-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the opening ODI, with captain Pat Cummins anchoring his team in a nervy finish. Chasing a target of 204, Australia appeared comfortable early on, but a middle-order collapse against Pakistan’s determined pace attack turned the match into a nail-biter.
Steve Smith’s fluent 44, backed by Josh Inglis’s steady 49, placed Australia at a strong 113-2. However, Pakistan’s pacers, led by Haris Rauf, struck hard to reduce Australia to 155-7 in quick succession, threatening an upset as the crowd roared in anticipation.
Cummins, remaining composed amidst the pressure, put on a crucial 30-run stand with Sean Abbott, who fell to a run-out miscommunication for 13. Cummins finished unbeaten on 32 from 31 balls, guiding Australia across the line with 16.3 overs to spare, kicking off the home summer with a hard-fought win.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan, batting first, struggled against Australia’s sharp bowling, managing only 203 all out. Captain Muhammad Rizwan top-scored with 44, while Babar Azam contributed 37. A late innings burst from Naseem Shah, who smashed 40 off 39 balls, including four sixes, revived Pakistan’s score after they slumped to 148-7. Starc’s 3-33 dismantled Pakistan’s top order, setting the tone for a challenging chase.
The victory sets a positive tone for Australia’s season, with two more ODIs and a T20 series against Pakistan leading into an eagerly awaited five-Test showdown with India. Starc, reflecting on the match, said, “It wasn’t ideal to see Patty [Cummins] and I with pads on, but a win’s a win. We’ll take this as a strong start to the summer.”
Australia now leads the ODI series 1-0 and will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue to fine-tune their lineup for the challenges ahead.
