Australia Holds Off Spirited Pakistan for Two-Wicket Win in First ODI
Australia (204/8) edged past Pakistan (203) by two wickets in an intense match at the MCG. With standout performances from Josh Inglis (49) and Pat Cummins (32*), they overcame a tough Pakistani challenge, despite a stellar 3-67 spell by Haris Rauf.
The game was quintessential Pakistan—oscillating between highs and lows, with moments of brilliance from both bat and ball. In the end, a tight Australian win, powered by Mitchell Starc’s fiery 3-33 and Cummins’ calm chase, sealed the 1-0 series lead.
For a crowd of 25,831 at the iconic MCG, it felt like Lahore, with Pakistan fans roaring support, but Australia ultimately prevailed, avoiding what could have been a dramatic upset.
After being sent to bat, Pakistan struggled on a fast MCG pitch, fresh from slower surfaces in Multan and Rawalpindi. Babar Azam (37 off 44) and Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 71) anchored the innings, but regular wickets fell against Australia’s disciplined attack. Naseem Shah later smashed 40 off 39 balls from No. 9, hitting four sixes to push Pakistan past 200.
In response, Australia’s new opening duo fell early, and Haris Rauf’s fiery burst shook Australia’s middle order, reducing them from 139/3 to 155/7. Rauf, a crowd favorite in Melbourne, took three quick wickets, while Shaheen Afridi held Inglis’s pull shot in a stunning catch.
But Cummins’ calm 32*, with assistance from Sean Abbott, steered Australia home in a tense finish.
