Australia Breaks Records and Pakistan’s Hopes in Landmark MCG Victory
Mitchell Starc made history by becoming the fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets on Australian soil, overtaking Brett Lee’s record. Starc achieved this feat in only 54 innings, while Lee needed 55 and Glenn McGrath reached the milestone in 56.
Australia solidified its dominance over Pakistan in ODIs with a nail-biting 2-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), setting a new record for most victories against Pakistan by any team. This was Australia's 71st win against Pakistan in just 109 matches, surpassing West Indies' similar win count over Pakistan, which required 137 games. With only 34 wins against Australia, Pakistan continues to struggle against the Baggy Greens, while Sri Lanka, England, and India trail behind with 59, 57, and 57 wins respectively in their encounters with Pakistan.
Adding to Australia’s achievements, Mitchell Starc made history by becoming the fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets on Australian soil, overtaking Brett Lee’s record. Starc achieved this feat in only 54 innings, while Lee needed 55 and Glenn McGrath reached the milestone in 56.
In the opening match of the series, Starc claimed 3 wickets for 33 runs in his 10-over spell, maintaining a low economy of 3.33. His early strikes in the powerplay left Pakistan’s top order reeling as he dismissed openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, and later, Shaheen Shah Afridi. His impressive pace and precision allowed Australia to control Pakistan's batting lineup, eventually guiding them to a memorable win and a 1-0 lead in the series.
