AUS vs PAK ODI Highlights | Australia vs Pakistan 1st ODI, 2024

Courtesy: Cricket Australia

In a nail-biting encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia edged out Pakistan by 2 wickets in the first ODI of the series, thanks to a superb bowling display by Mitchell Starc and a resilient knock by captain Pat Cummins. Despite some late drama, Australia successfully chased down Pakistan's modest total of 203 with 8 wickets down, finishing at 204/8 in just 33.3 overs.

Pakistan Struggles to 203

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Australia quickly took control of the game with Mitchell Starc striking early. Pakistan's top order struggled to get going, with Abdullah Shafique (12) and Saim Ayub (1) both falling cheaply to Starc's fiery bowling. Babar Azam, Pakistan's talismanic captain, fought hard for his 37 runs but was dismissed by Adam Zampa, leaving Pakistan teetering at 63/3.

The middle-order offered brief resistance through Mohammad Rizwan (44) and Naseem Shah's unexpected counterattack. Rizwan played a cautious yet important innings, while Naseem Shah's explosive 40 off 39 balls, which included four sixes, provided a much-needed boost. However, the wickets fell at regular intervals, with Starc (3/33) leading Australia's attack, and Pakistan was bowled out for 203 in 46.4 overs.

Starc's Magic with the Ball

Mitchell Starc's lethal bowling set the tone for Australia’s performance. The left-arm pacer claimed 3 crucial wickets, including that of Shafique and Pakistan's dangerous tailender Shaheen Afridi. Supported by Pat Cummins (2/39) and Adam Zampa (2/64), Australia maintained control throughout the innings despite a late surge from Pakistan’s lower order.

Australia’s Top-Order Collapse

Australia's chase, however, was far from straightforward. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf breathed life into Pakistan’s defense with early breakthroughs. Shaheen removed Matthew Short (1) and Josh Inglis (49), while Rauf tore through Australia’s middle order, dismissing key players such as Steven Smith (44), Marnus Labuschagne (16), and Glenn Maxwell (0) in quick succession.

Australia slipped to 139/6 in the 20th over, facing an uphill task to reach the target. But captain Pat Cummins held his nerve, guiding the lower order with a composed 32* off 31 balls. Sean Abbott (13) provided valuable support before being run out, and Mitchell Starc (2*) saw Australia over the line in the 34th over.

Mitchell Starc was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance. His bowling was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to a low total, and his calm presence at the crease helped Australia weather Pakistan's spirited fightback.

Australia’s 2-wicket victory in the 1st ODI marks a perfect start to their series against Pakistan. Despite a few stumbles in their chase, Pat Cummins’ side showed grit and determination to secure the win. For Pakistan, the loss will be a bitter pill to swallow, but with promising performances from players like Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, they will look to bounce back in the next game.

The second ODI promises another exciting contest between these two cricketing powerhouses as Pakistan aims to level the series.

Match Summary:

• Pakistan: 203 all out (46.4 overs)
  (Mohammad Rizwan 44, Naseem Shah 40; Mitchell Starc 3/33, Pat Cummins 2/39)
• Australia: 204/8 (33.3 overs)
  (Josh Inglis 49, Steven Smith 44; Haris Rauf 3/67, Shaheen Afridi 2/43)
• Result: Australia won by 2 wickets
• Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc