Cricket Highlights, Nov 4: Pakistan tour of Australia (1st ODI) – Pakistan vs Australia

PAK vs AUS (1st ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 1st ODI match between PAK and AUS, held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 4, 2024, as part of Pakistan’s tour of Australia. The match saw Pakistan set a modest target of 204 after being bowled out for 203 in their allotted 50 overs. Australia, despite facing some challenges, managed to chase down the target with 99 balls to spare, clinching a 2-wicket victory. We’ll cover key performances, turning points, and how Australia’s aggressive approach ultimately secured them the win in this close contest.

Australia defeated Pakistan by two wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI) held in Melbourne on November 4, 2024. In 50 overs, Pakistan was bowled out for 203. Australia won with 99 balls remaining after reaching 204/8 in 33.3 overs while chasing a goal of 204. Australia won easily despite losing wickets thanks to their aggressive run rate.

In PAK innings, the team struggled to build momentum, managing a total of 203 runs in 46.4 overs. Mitchell Starc led Australia’s bowling attack brilliantly, taking 3 crucial wickets and maintaining a tight economy rate of 3.30. His early strikes set the tone, dismissing Saim Ayub (1 off 5 balls) and Abdullah Shafique (12 off 26 balls) in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 24/2 in just 6.4 overs.

Babar Azam looked promising with 37 runs off 44 balls but was bowled by Adam Zampa in the 18th over, halting Pakistan’s attempt at a recovery. Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s captain, played a steady innings, scoring 44 off 71 balls, yet struggled to accelerate. He fell to Marnus Labuschagne in the 32nd over, caught behind by Josh Inglis.

Despite wickets falling regularly, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi provided some lower-order resistance. Afridi scored a quick 24 off 19 balls, including 3 fours and a six, while Naseem’s 40 off 39 balls, with 1 four and 4 sixes, was instrumental in pushing Pakistan past the 200-run mark. However, Pat Cummins claimed 2 wickets, including Naseem’s, to end Pakistan’s innings at 203.

Australia’s bowlers showcased a disciplined attack, with Starc, Cummins, and Zampa taking wickets at critical intervals. Zampa’s spell (2/64) proved effective in removing key middle-order batsmen, while Sean Abbott chipped in with a wicket as well.

Despite early setbacks, Australia managed to win by two wickets in 33.3 overs as they chased 204. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi gave Pakistan a strong start by dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk (16) and Matthew Short (1) in the first four overs, leaving Australia at 28/2.

With a solid 44 off 46 balls and six fours, Steven Smith stabilised the innings, but Australia was reduced to 113/3 after he was dismissed to Haris Rauf in the 17th over. The most impressive player was Josh Inglis, who pushed the run rate and brought Australia closer to the mark with a quick 49 off 42 balls, four fours, and three sixes before being removed by Afridi at 139.

AUS was reduced to 139/6 after a spectacular sequence in which Glenn Maxwell (0), Aaron Hardie (10) and Marnus Labuschagne (16) left swiftly. The innings was steadied by Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott (13) but Abbott was run out at 185. Mitchell Starc (2*) supported Cummins, who maintained his composure and scored a vital 32 not out off 31 balls, as Australia won at 204/8.

Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf (3/67), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/43), and Naseem Shah (1/39), applied pressure but struggled to contain extras, conceding 17 wides, which proved costly. Cummins’ calm finish under pressure was pivotal in Australia’s win with 99 balls remaining.

Pakistan vs Australia Scoreboard

Pakistan – 203 (46.4/50)

Australia– 204/8 (33.3/50)

Result – Australia won by 2 wickets (with 99 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Mitchell Starc

PAK vs AUS Playing XI

Pakistan

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK) (C), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain

Australia

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (WK), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.