Sun Nov 10 06:44:12 UTC 2024: ## Australia Captain Cummins Leads Team to Victory in Tense ODI Opener Against Pakistan
**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia secured a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking a winning start to their home summer.
Chasing a target of 204, Australia faced a late collapse losing three wickets in five deliveries, falling from 113-2 to 155-7. However, captain Pat Cummins steadied the ship with a crucial innings of 32* from 31 balls, leading the team to victory with 16.3 overs to spare.
Cummins’ knock came after a valiant effort from Pakistan, who posted 203 all out in 46.4 overs thanks to a late surge from Naseem Shah, who smashed 40 runs off 39 balls, including four sixes. Earlier, Babar Azam made 37 on his return to international cricket, while captain Muhammad Rizwan contributed 44 runs.
Australia’s innings was boosted by a fluent 44 from Steve Smith, who partnered with Josh Inglis (49) for an 85-run stand. Mitchell Starc, who also took three wickets, praised Cummins’ innings, saying, “We probably didn’t like that Patty and I had pads on, but it’s a positive start to the summer. Win is a win no matter how you get there.”
The series continues with two more ODIs and three T20s against Pakistan before a highly anticipated five-Test series against India.
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