Cummins denies Pakistan a heist to remember as Australia go 1-0 up

Cummins denies Pakistan a heist to remember as Australia

Australia clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan at the MCG in a gripping first ODI. The match was a roller-coaster, showcasing moments of brilliance and fragility from both sides, but ultimately, Australia prevailed, thanks to Mitchell Starc’s fierce spell and a cool-headed finish by captain Pat Cummins.

After being put in to bat, Pakistan managed to post 203 runs, with Mohammad Rizwan top-scoring at 44 and Babar Azam contributing a classy 37 off 44 balls. However, it was the lower-order heroics from Naseem Shah that gave Pakistan hope; he smashed 40 off 39 balls, including four sixes, providing crucial late runs. Starc was exceptional with the ball, delivering 10 overs, conceding only 33 runs, and taking three wickets. Cummins also supported with two wickets for 39 runs.

Cummins denies Pakistan a heist to remember as Australia Chasing 204, Australia got off to a rocky start, with openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk both departing early. Steve Smith (44) and Josh Inglis (49) stabilized the innings, adding an 85-run partnership. Just when it seemed Australia was in control, Haris Rauf electrified the crowd with a fiery spell, claiming three quick wickets to reduce Australia from 139/3 to 155/7, swinging the game back in Pakistan’s favor.

Cummins, however, held his nerve once again in a pressure chase. While Haris and Shaheen Afridi created opportunities with their short-pitched bowling, Cummins managed to withstand the pressure, scoring an unbeaten 32 to steer his team home. His innings may not be one of his flashiest, but it was vital and reflected his composure as a finisher.

Earlier in the match, Starc’s spell put Pakistan on the back foot, with Saim Ayub (on debut) and Abdullah Shafique both falling cheaply. Babar Azam and Rizwan tried to anchor the innings but struggled to accelerate on a fast and bouncy pitch. Some late aggression from Naseem and Shaheen lifted Pakistan to 203, but it wasn’t enough.

The MCG crowd, Cummins denies Pakistan a heist to remember as Australia largely Pakistani supporters, cheered passionately as their team made a late comeback. Yet, despite Haris Rauf’s three-wicket burst and some crafty captaincy by Mohammad Rizwan, Australia held their nerve and chased down the target, breaking the hearts of Pakistan fans who had hoped for a memorable victory lisalavoie.com.

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