Australia vs Pakistan 1st ODI Highlights: Cummins Leads Australia to Victory
In a thrilling encounter in Melbourne, Australia edged past Pakistan by two wickets in the first ODI of the series, thanks to crucial contributions from Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, and skipper Pat Cummins. Chasing a target of 204, Australia had a rocky start but eventually secured the win with a steady all-round performance.
Match Summary:
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Pakistan Innings: Batting first, Pakistan struggled against a disciplined Australian bowling attack, being bowled out for 203 runs. Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming three wickets and playing a pivotal role in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup.
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Australia's Chase: Australia began their innings on a promising note but faced regular setbacks as wickets fell at crucial moments. However, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis formed a vital partnership, scoring 44 and 49 runs, respectively, which steadied the innings.
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Cummins' Finishing Touch: With the team needing stability towards the end, Pat Cummins stepped up, scoring an unbeaten 32 runs off 31 balls. His calm approach in the final overs guided Australia to a thrilling finish, allowing them to reach 204 with just two wickets remaining.
Bowling Highlights: For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets, while Shaheen Afridi contributed with two dismissals, showcasing their bowling prowess despite the loss.
With this victory, Australia takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the upcoming matches.
