Australia clinch nail-biting win over Pakistan in first ODI

Australia edged past Pakistan by two wickets in the first ODI played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday.

The home side chased down the target in 33.3 overs after losing eight wickets. Skipper Pat Cummins remained not out on 32, demonstrating vital leadership and resilience during the tense chase.

From Pakistan bowling side, Shaheen Afridi took 2 wickets by giving away 43 runs. Haris Rauf clinched wickets but conceded 65 runs in his 8 overs. 

Naseem Shah and Muhammad Hasnain took one wicket each, with Hasnain giving up 46 runs in 6.4 overs.

With this win, Australia lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.

Earlier, Pakistan have set a 204-run target for Australia in the first ODI.

After being invited to bat first by Australia, Pakistan openers fell early as Mitchell Starc dismissed Saeem Ayub for 1 run, followed shortly by Abdullah Shafique, who managed to score 12 runs.

Captain Babar Azam contributed 37 runs before being caught by Adam Zampa, while Kamran Ghulam was dismissed by Pat Cummins after scoring only 5 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan, captaining the Pakistan team for the first time, leads a side that includes debutants Saim Ayub and Usman Khan. The acptain was the team's top scorer with 44 runs off 71 deliveries.

Tailenders Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah scored brisk innings 24 off 19 balls and 40 off 39 deliveries respectively.

Pacer Haris Rauf scored a duck off three deliveries.

Australia utilised eight bowlers with Mitchell Starc grabbing three wickets while giving 33 runs.

It should be noted that Pakistan is playing it's first ODI since the ICC World Cup held in India last year.

Saim Ayub and Usman Khan received their ODI caps from former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram ahead of the toss.

Pakistan’s tour in Australia consists of three ODI and three T20 matches, promising an action-packed series for fans.

The second ODI of three match series will begin on 8 November at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The both teams will then travel to Perth where the third ODI will take place on 10 November at the Perth Stadium.

The ODI series will be followed by three-match T20I series, which will be played on 14, 16 and 18 November.

Pakistan Playing XI:
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia Playing XI:
Matthew Short, Jack Fraser, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Schedule of matches:
4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
10Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth
14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane
16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart