Australia secured a decisive victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of their three-match series, winning by a significant margin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday. Opting to bowl first, Australia’s pace attack set the tone early, led by Mitchell Starc’s impactful performance that saw Pakistan struggle against disciplined bowling.
Starc made an immediate impact, dismissing Pakistan’s Saim Ayub in the third over with a sharp, rising delivery. This dismissal brought former captain Babar Azam to the crease, who looked in fine form but fell short of a substantial innings, scoring 37 before Adam Zampa’s spin broke his partnership with newly appointed skipper Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan, the highest scorer for Pakistan, fought through the innings with a solid 44, including the match’s first six off Starc, but couldn’t find stable support as the batting order struggled.
Haris Rauf showcased a commendable performance with the ball, taking three wickets and giving Pakistan hope of a comeback. However, Josh Inglis’s composed 49 anchored Australia’s chase, consolidating their position despite Pakistan’s sporadic breakthroughs.
With notable absences in Australia’s lineup, including Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head on paternity leave, a fresh opening partnership of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short took the field. Sean Abbott bolstered the bowling lineup, taking advantage of overcast conditions to keep the Pakistani batsmen contained.
Pakistan’s lineup also saw adjustments, with Test coach Jason Gillespie temporarily at the helm after the recent departure of white-ball coach Gary Kirsten. Youngster Irfan Khan debuted in the middle order, while Shaheen Shah Afridi led a four-pronged fast-bowling attack.
Despite some late hitting by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who struck 40 off the lower order with four sixes, Pakistan was bowled out for 209 in the 47th over. Australia’s methodical approach with both bat and ball proved effective, securing a lead in the series and setting a challenging tone for Pakistan as they regroup for the next ODI.