In a topsy-turvy AUS vs PAK 1st ODI at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, hosts Australia prevailed over visitors Pakistan, and took a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Australian cricket team captain Pat Cummins starred for the hosts, claiming two wickets, and scoring a match-winning unbeaten 32. Pat Cummins Dismisses Kamran Ghulam With a Fiery Bouncer During AUS vs PAK 1st ODI 2024 (Watch Video).

Chasing a paltry 204, Australia starred poorly, losing Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in quick successions, with Afridi and Shah striking for Pakistan. Steve Smith and wicket-keeper Josh Inglis held the fort for Australia and milked bowlers for runs with ease, bringing up an 85-run stand.

Rauf and Co Bring Pakistan Bowlers Back Into Reckoning

Smith scored 44 before Haris Rauf picked the former captain, and then Afridi claimed Inglis for 49, which brought Pakistan back into the match. Irfan Khan's Superman-Esque Effort Goes In Vain As Josh Inglis Pulls Shaheen Afridi For Six During AUS vs PAK 1st ODI (Watch Video).

Rauf claimed his second wicket of the match, getting rid of Labuschagne for 16, while Mohammed Hasnain picked up the dangerous Aaron Hardie's wicket.

Rauf wrapped up Glenn Maxwell for a one-ball duck, putting Australia on the back foot.

Captain Cummins along with all-rounder Sean Abbott, added important 30 runs for the eight-wicket, which saw the hosts close in on a hard-fought win. However, a misjudgment from Cummins cost Abbott his wicket, who trying to push for a third run, got himself run out by a direct throw of Afridi.

Cummins joined by Mitchell Starc ensured Australia did not suffer further hiccups, eased their side past the finish line, and took a crucial 1-0 lead in the 3-ODI series.

Veterans Shine For Pakistan

Batting first, Pakistan openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub returned to the hut cheaply, leaving the rebuilding work for Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan.

Babar and Rizwan played a probing spell from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, adding 39 runs for the third wicket. Their stand was broken by Adam Zampa, who cleaned up the well-set Azam for 37, which opened the floodgates for Australia, who quickly snarred up Kamran Ghulam and Agha Salman. Rizwan managed to keep the flow of runs going, scoring a 71-ball 44, but got himself out against Marnus Labuschagne. Mohammad Rizwan Falls to Part-Time Off-Spinner Marnus Labuschagne As Pakistan Captain Gets a Top Edge While Playing Sweep Shot During AUS vs PAK 1st ODI 2024 (Watch Videos).

Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah Play Cameo Knocks

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah came to the rescue for Pakistan, who were 148 for 7 before the pair played whirlwind knocks. Afridi scored 24 off 19, while Naseem displayed his batting potential scoring 40 off 39, which included four sixes and one four, that helped Pakistan reach 203.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 04, 2024 04:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).