Mon Nov 04 07:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Aussie Skipper Outfoxes Debutant Ghulam, Sends Pakistan Crumbling in MCG ODI
Melbourne, Australia: In a match that saw Australia dominate Pakistan in the first ODI of a three-match series, debutant batsman Kamran Ghulam’s hopes of a promising start were dashed by a brilliant delivery from Australian skipper Pat Cummins.
Ghulam, who had made a sensational Test debut against England with a century, tried to unsettle Cummins in the 19th over with a playful gesture, but the Australian captain responded with a blistering bouncer that left Ghulam helpless. The ball kissed Ghulam’s gloves and ended up in the keeper’s hands, leaving the Pakistani batsman stranded on just 5 runs.
The dismissal was part of a broader Australian domination as Mitchell Starc took 3 wickets for 33 runs, dismantling the Pakistani batting line-up. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 205 in the 47th over.
New Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 44 runs, but he was unable to provide the necessary stability against the precise Australian bowling attack. Babar Azam, also in good form, scored 37 runs before being dismissed by Adam Zampa.
While Naseem Shah’s entertaining innings of 40 runs, featuring four sixes, added some late drama, it was not enough to salvage the match for Pakistan. Australia now leads the series 1-0.
First Piper 