In the first ODI of the Australian summer at the MCG, Pakistan delivered a lackluster batting performance, getting bowled out for a modest total of 203 runs. Australia seized control from the very beginning, with Mitchell Starc setting the tone by dismissing debutant Saim Ayub in less than two overs. Abdullah Shafique soon followed, leaving Pakistan struggling early in the innings.
The visitors, playing their first ODI in almost a year, were once again reliant on Babar Azam and newly-appointed skipper Mohammad Rizwan to stabilize the innings. Babar, who has recently faced challenges in Test cricket, looked in fine form initially, scoring some exquisite boundaries. However, his promising knock was cut short when Adam Zampa bowled him in his first over, dealing a significant blow to Pakistan’s hopes.
Rizwan tried to anchor the innings, breaking the shackles with a six, but his patient knock of 44 ended with a top-edged sweep against Marnus Labuschagne’s googly. With Pakistan reeling at 117/6, lower-order contributions from Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and a spirited 40-run cameo from Naseem Shah helped them push past the 200-run mark. Naseem’s late blitz, which included two sixes off Zampa, was one of the few highlights for Pakistan.
Australia’s bowlers dominated, with Starc finishing with figures of 3/33 and Pat Cummins taking 2/39, ensuring that Pakistan never fully recovered from their early setbacks.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 203 in 46.4 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 44, Naseem Shah 40; Mitchell Starc 3/33, Pat Cummins 2/39) vs Australia.