Mon Nov 04 11:37:52 UTC 2024: ## Australia Edges Past Pakistan in Thrilling ODI Opener

**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia secured a nail-biting victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series, winning by 3 wickets with just 1 ball remaining. The match, played under the lights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, was a thrilling encounter with both teams displaying impressive performances throughout.

Chasing a modest target of 204, Australia’s innings was characterized by early struggles. The new opening pair of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk fell early, while the dismissal of Steven Smith by Haris Rauf briefly threatened to derail the chase.

However, a crucial 60-run partnership between Smith and Josh Inglis steadied the ship. Inglis, who was dropped on 7 by Irfan Khan, played with growing confidence. It was then Pat Cummins, who rose to the occasion, playing a crucial innings of 32 runs off 31 balls to steer his team home.

Earlier, Pakistan struggled to find their rhythm with the bat after being asked to bat first. Mitchell Starc impressed with the ball, picking up the wickets of both openers and finishing with impressive figures of 3/33. Babar Azam showed promise but couldn’t convert it into a big score, while Mohammad Rizwan’s innings was hampered by a lack of rhythm. A late cameo by Naseem Shah helped Pakistan post a respectable total of 203.

The second ODI will be played at Adelaide on Friday, November 8th. Pakistan will be looking to bounce back and level the series, while Australia will be aiming for a series win.

**Player of the Match:** Mitchell Starc, for his brilliant bowling performance.

**Key Highlights:**

* Australia won a thrilling encounter by 3 wickets with 1 ball remaining.
* Pat Cummins led from the front, playing a crucial innings under pressure.
* Mitchell Starc was the star with the ball, picking up 3 wickets.
* Pakistan will be looking to bounce back in the second ODI at Adelaide.

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