Mon Nov 04 11:05:48 UTC 2024: ## Australia Edges Past Pakistan in a Thrilling ODI Opener

**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia kicked off their international summer with a nail-biting victory over Pakistan in the first One Day International (ODI) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday. The match, a low-scoring thriller, saw both teams battle it out until the very last over, with Australia ultimately prevailing by a narrow margin.

Pakistan, asked to bat first, struggled to find momentum despite several promising starts. Mitchell Starc, who was later named Player of the Match, dismissed both openers early, leaving the visitors in a precarious position. Babar Azam showed glimpses of brilliance but couldn’t convert it into a big score, while Mohammad Rizwan’s innings lacked rhythm. A spirited cameo by Naseem Shah helped Pakistan reach a respectable 203, but it seemed a distant target after their earlier struggles. Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 3 for 33 in a stellar performance.

Australia’s chase started aggressively, with their new opening pair of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk looking to dominate. However, both were dismissed early, handing the initiative back to Pakistan. Steven Smith and Josh Inglis then steadied the ship with a crucial partnership, chipping away at the target.

The game took a dramatic turn when Haris Rauf dismissed Smith, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope. Shaheen Afridi then removed Inglis, and Rauf struck twice in two balls, causing Australia to crumble from 139/3 to 139/6. A couple of brain-fade moments from Hardie and Abbott kept Pakistan in the contest, but amidst the chaos, Captain Pat Cummins shone through with a cool-headed finish.

With 20 runs needed from the last 3 overs, Cummins led from the front, smashing a crucial 32 off 31 balls to steer Australia to victory. He was ably supported by Mitchell Starc, who provided a crucial last over partnership.

Pakistan’s valiant effort with the ball was overshadowed by a few missed opportunities in the field, including a dropped catch and a crucial run out miss, which ultimately proved costly.

The series now shifts to Adelaide, where Australia will look to seal the series on Friday, November 8. Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and set up a series decider in Perth.

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