Australia is chasing a modest 204-run target for victory following a tentative batting effort from Pakistan during the first ODI at the MCG on Monday.
The tourists were bowled out for 203 in 46.4 overs after a clinical bowling performance from the reigning world champions, with Mitchell Starc taking three wickets.
A late cameo from tailender Naseem Shah steered the visitors towards a defendable total, but it would take something pretty special for Pakistan’s bowlers to win the series opener from here.
MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs Pakistan first ODI live scorecard
Neither of Pakistan’s openers survived the Powerplay after being sent in, with Starc striking twice during a damaging opening spell. Saim Ayub chopped on for 1 after fending outside off stump, while Abdullah Shafique failed to get his bat out of the way after attempting to leave a wide delivery, feathering behind to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis for 12.
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Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and fan favourite Babar Azam steadied the ship with a 41-run partnership for the third wicket before Azam misjudged a full delivery from leg-spinner Adam Zampa, bowled for 37. The following over, Australian skipper Pat Cummins produced a searing bouncer that flicked Kamran Ghulam’s glove and sailed through to Inglis for 5.
Sean Abbott persisted with a bumper ploy that paid dividends when Salman Ali Agha awkwardly swatted a short delivery towards a lunging Matt Short at mid-wicket for 12. While attempting to pick up the tempo, Rizwan fell victim to part-time leggie Marnus Labuschagne, top-edging a sweep shot into his helmet and caught by Inglis for 44.
Pakistan’s tail offered some resistance, with Mohammad Irfan Khan and Shaheen Afridi making handy contributions during the death overs. Shah clobbered four sixes during his career-best knock of 40 (39) to push Pakistan’s total beyond 200 before Cummins returned to wrap up the innings.
Aussie openers fail in ODI audition | 01:32
Australia’s XI: Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Pakistan’s XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain
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