Cummins Seals Nervy Win for Australia in Thriller Against Pakistan
Cummins, however, kept his composure and led the recovery with Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott. Despite Hardie’s dismissal, Cummins found boundaries off Rauf, and although Abbott was run out with 19 still required, Cummins struck the winning runs to guide Australia home.
Pat Cummins starred with both bat and ball as Australia clinched a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan in the opening ODI of their home summer. On his return to ODI cricket post-World Cup, Cummins played a pivotal role in Australia’s chase after a shaky start. Pakistan, who were playing their first ODI in almost a year, struggled with the bat and posted a modest 203 all out in 46.4 overs.
Australia’s chase started well, but they lost early wickets, with Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk both dismissed cheaply. Despite these setbacks, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis steadied the ship, hitting boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Smith played elegantly, while Inglis also found his rhythm, helping Australia reach 105 runs by the 15th over, seemingly in control.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the drinks break when Pakistan’s Haris Rauf took charge. He dismissed Smith and Inglis in quick succession, and then claimed two more wickets—Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell—in consecutive balls, leaving Australia in a precarious position. At 117 for 6, Australia seemed to be losing grip, with 49 runs still needed to win.
Cummins, however, kept his composure and led the recovery with Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott. Despite Hardie’s dismissal, Cummins found boundaries off Rauf, and although Abbott was run out with 19 still required, Cummins struck the winning runs to guide Australia home.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings had a strong start but faltered midway. Mitchell Starc gave Australia an early breakthrough, dismissing debutant Saim Ayub, and Adam Zampa dismissed Babar Azam at a crucial point. Pat Cummins also took a vital wicket to leave Pakistan struggling at 70 for 4. Rizwan, who had a tough start, eventually fought back, and Naseem Shah provided a late surge, hitting four boundaries in an entertaining cameo. But it was not enough as Pakistan ended their innings at 203.
In the end, Australia chased down the target of 204 in 33.3 overs, with Cummins contributing a crucial 15* to secure the win.
