Australia Clinch Thrilling Win Over Pakistan in AusvsPak 1st ODI
Melbourne, 4 November 2024: In a thrilling opener at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia pulled off a nail-biting win against Pakistan, clinching the first ODI of the highly anticipated three-match series by two wickets. Under the astute leadership of Pat Cummins, the Aussies showcased a spirited chase, effortlessly hunting down Pakistan’s modest target of 204 in just 33.3 overs. This emphatic victory sets the stage for an intriguing series as Australia takes a crucial 1-0 lead in the AusvsPak showdown, blending skill and determination that captivated cricket fans worldwide.
AusvsPak Key Moments of the Match
Australia’s reply started on a shaky note as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah swiftly removed openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, putting Australia at a precarious 28-2. These crucial early wickets injected vigor into Pakistan’s defense of their 203-run score. Nonetheless, Australia regained their footing with a solid partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis, who together amassed 85 runs for the third wicket, resurrecting Australia’s chase and posing a renewed challenge to the Pakistani side.
Smith and Inglis Shine
Mitchell Marsh joined the fray after Steve Smith’s departure, continuing Australia’s aggressive pursuit of the target. Marsh scored a brisk 55 off 31 balls, studded with 5 towering sixes and 2 fours, reinforcing the middle-order resistance. His partnership with Inglis kept the scoreboard ticking, narrowing the gap to Pakistan’s total. Despite their valiant efforts, Pakistan’s bowlers applied pressure during the death overs. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf delivered precise yorkers and deceptive slower balls, ultimately limiting the Australian charge and sealing a thrilling victory for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Pace Comeback
Haris Rauf sparked a thrilling turnaround for Pakistan by taking Smith’s crucial wicket in the 17th over. This ignited a middle-order collapse for Australia, who lost five wickets in just 8.5 overs, spiraling to 155-7. The pressure intensified when Shaheen Afridi removed Inglis in the 20th. Haris added to the drama by removing Labuschagne (16) and Maxwell in back-to-back deliveries, sending waves of excitement through the stands. Hasnain’s dismissal of Aaron Hardie further solidified Pakistan’s dominance, as they tightened their grip on the match with determination and skill.
Cummins Holds His Nerve
Despite losing several wickets, Australian captain Pat Cummins (32* off 31 balls) stayed composed, guiding his team toward triumph. His collaboration with Sean Abbott contributed a vital 30 runs for the eighth wicket. Although Abbott’s run-out left Australia at 185-8, Cummins and Mitchell Starc successfully steered the team to victory, securing a hard-fought win with 99 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s Innings Recap
Australia began their chase poorly at 28-2 after early strikes from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. However, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis steadied the innings, adding 85 runs before Haris Rauf triggered a middle-order collapse. Despite Mitchell Marsh’s brisk 55, Shaheen and Haris kept tightening the screws, with Australia stumbling to 155-7. Pakistan eventually dismissed Australia for 203, ensuring a thrilling victory after disciplined bowling and fielding efforts.
Australia’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc (3-33), proved effective against Pakistan’s lineup. Starc took crucial early wickets, including that of debutant Saim Ayub (1), helping Australia control the game.
AusvsPak Scores in Brief
| Pakistan Innings | ||
| Mohammad Rizwan | 44 (71) | Mitchell Starc 3-33 |
| Naseem Shah | 40 (39) | Pat Cummins 2-39 |
| Babar Azam | 37 (44) | Adam Zampa 2-64 |
| Total: 203 in 46.4 overs | ||
| Australia Innings | ||
| Josh Inglis | 49 (42) | Haris Rauf 3-67 |
| Steve Smith | 44 (46) | Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-43 |
| Pat Cummins (not out) | 32 (31) | Mohammad Hasnain 1-51 |
| Total: 204/8 in 33.3 overs | ||
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 203 all out | 46.4 | Australia won by 2 wickets |
| Australia | 204/8 | 33.3 |
Looking Ahead
With Australia leading the series 1-0, both teams now head to Adelaide for the second ODI on November 8. Can Pakistan bounce back and level the AusvsPak series, or will Australia continue their winning momentum?
Stay tuned for more updates from Khelo Pakistan as we cover every thrilling moment of the series!
