AUS vs PAK 1st ODI: Australia Survive Scare to Defeat Pakistan by 2 Wickets, Go One Up in Series

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AUS vs PAK 1st ODI: Australia narrowly edged Pakistan by two wickets in a low-scoring thriller at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, November 4, to kick off the ODI series on a winning note.

Set a modest target of 204, the hosts initially seemed in control but encountered a fierce Pakistani comeback led by Haris Rauf, who claimed three crucial wickets to nearly turn the game in Pakistan's favour.

Batting first, Pakistan struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling and were bowled out for 203 in 46.4 overs. Mitchell Starc was brilliant with the new ball, taking 3 for 33 from his full quota, dismissing openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique early.

Babar Azam, returning to the side after missing recent Tests, showed glimpses of his class with a steady 37 but was bowled by Adam Zampa, who also dismissed Haris Rauf later in the innings.

Mohammad Rizwan provided stability with a 71-ball 44, while lower-order contributions from Shaheen Shah Afridi (24 off 19) and Naseem Shah (40 off 39) boosted Pakistan past 200. Pat Cummins claimed two wickets, including the crucial scalp of Naseem to end Pakistan’s innings.

AUS vs PAK: Australia Face Haris Rauf Fury in 1st ODI Chase

In pursuit of 204, Australia stumbled at the start, losing openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk inside four overs. However, an 85-run stand between Steve Smith (44 off 46) and Josh Inglis (49 off 42) stabilised the chase.

Inglis was particularly aggressive, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. But after his dismissal, the chase derailed briefly as Australia slumped from 113-3 to 139-6, with pacer Haris Rauf dismissing Labuschagne and Maxwell in successive deliveries to ignite hopes for Pakistan.

Captain Pat Cummins then held his nerve in a composed 32 not out, guiding Australia to the target in 33.3 overs despite a further scare when Sean Abbott was run out. Cummins struck four boundaries in his 31-ball knock to see his team home, showcasing resilience under pressure.

With this victory, Australia went 1-0 up against their opponents in the three-match ODI series, with the second game scheduled for Friday, November 8.