In a thrilling series opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s Pat Cummins once again proved his mettle in a batting crisis, guiding the world champions to a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Cummins, playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, displayed nerves of steel with a crucial knock of 32 from 31 balls. His innings pushed Australia past Pakistan’s modest total of 203 with 16.3 overs to spare.
The hosts were in a precarious position at 155 for seven when Cummins arrived at the crease. Pakistan, energized by a three-wicket burst from Haris Rauf, sensed an opportunity for their first ODI win in Australia in nearly eight years.
However, Cummins, who also claimed two wickets with the ball, rose to the occasion. He smashed a four past Mohammad Hasnain to level the scores and then punched a single to seal the victory.
Mitchell Starc, who took three wickets, was named man-of-the-match for his impressive bowling performance.
Pakistan’s top batter, Babar Azam, returned to the lineup after being dropped for the second and third tests against England. He made 37 before being dismissed by Adam Zampa.
Debutant Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique failed to impress as openers, both falling cheaply to Starc. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 44, while Irfan Khan made 22.
Tail-enders Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan provided some late resistance with their slogging, but it was not enough to prevent Australia from securing the win.
Australia were without four players from their World Cup-winning team, including David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh.
Openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to make a significant impact, while Steve Smith and Josh Inglis put on a brief partnership before falling to Pakistan’s pacemen.
Haris Rauf’s spell, which included the dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, gave Pakistan hope. However, Cummins’ heroics ultimately proved too much for the visitors.
