Australia Edges Out Pakistan by Two Wickets in Thrilling First ODI at MCG

In a nail-biting opening game of the three-match ODI series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia clinched a two-wicket victory over Pakistan on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead. Chasing a modest 204-run target set by Pakistan, the hosts overcame a strong Pakistani bowling attack, securing the win in the 34th over.

Australia’s chase began shakily, with openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short departing within the first four overs, leaving the hosts at 28-2. A steadying 85-run partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis helped put Australia back on track. Despite a fierce bowling display from Haris Rauf, who took three wickets, and Shaheen Afridi, who claimed two, Australian skipper Pat Cummins (32*) remained unbeaten and guided his side to victory.

Earlier, Pakistan struggled after being sent to bat, as the Australian bowlers made early inroads. Opener Abdullah Shafique fell to Mitchell Starc, leaving Pakistan at 24-2. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam then added a 39-run partnership for the third wicket, briefly stabilizing the innings. However, Adam Zampa dismissed Babar (37 off 44 balls), initiating a middle-order collapse that saw Pakistan slip to 117-6.

Rizwan top-scored with a gritty 44 off 71 balls, hitting two fours and a six. Debutant Muhammad Irfan Khan contributed a crucial 22, forming partnerships with both Shaheen and Naseem Shah to help push Pakistan to a defendable total. Naseem Shah’s late cameo of 40 from 39 balls, which included four sixes, lifted Pakistan to 203 before being bowled out in the 47th over.

Starc led the Australian bowling with three wickets, while Zampa and Cummins took two each. Sean Abbott and Marnus Labuschagne each chipped in with a wicket, showcasing a well-rounded performance from the hosts.

The two sides will meet again in the second ODI, with Pakistan eager to bounce back and level the series.