Pat Cummins led Australia to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. Chasing a modest total of 203, Australia was in trouble at 155 for seven, but Cummins’ nerveless knock of 32 from 31 balls guided the hosts to victory with 16.3 overs to spare Ā¹ Ā² Ā³.
Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Haris Rauf, had Australia on the ropes, but Cummins and Mitchell Starc held on to secure the win. Starc was named man-of-the-match with three wickets, including dismissing both Pakistan’s openers Ā³.
Pakistan’s top-order struggled, with Babar Azam making 37 off 44 balls before being bowled by leg-spinner Adam Zampa Ā¹ Ā². Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 44, while ODI debutant Irfan Khan made 22 Ā² Ā³.
The series continues in Adelaide on Friday, with the third and final ODI held in Perth on Sunday Ā¹. This win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, and they’ll look to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.