In a dramatic ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia edged out Pakistan by two wickets, chasing down a target of 204 set by the visitors. The match was a rollercoaster ride for fans, filled with moments of brilliance and blunders from both sides. Despite an outstanding bowling spell by Haris Rauf and some impressive batting from Naseem Shah, Pakistan fell short, while Australia secured the win, led by the composed captaincy and finishing prowess of Pat Cummins.
The crowd of 25,831 gave the impression of a packed house, as Pakistani fans, creating an atmosphere akin to Lahore, roared their team on. But despite this fervent support, Pakistan couldn’t seal the game, allowing Australia to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat.
Australia’s chase began poorly, losing both Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in the opening overs. Steven Smith and Josh Inglis stabilised the innings with an 85-run partnership, though Smith eventually fell for 44, caught off a mistimed cut shot. Inglis seemed untouchable until he fell to a brilliant deep catch by Irfan Khan. Rauf then ignited the crowd with a fiery spell, claiming three quick wickets and reducing Australia to 139 for 6.
Cummins took control at this stage, continuing to score while weathering short balls from Pakistan’s bowlers. He remained unbeaten on 32, steering Australia across the finish line and proving once again his skill in clutch situations. His crucial innings was also a testament to his recent laser eye surgery, which he credited for helping him see the ball better.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan struggled against the pace and bounce of the MCG pitch after being sent in to bat. Most batters found themselves challenged by the unfamiliar conditions, especially after the slower, turning pitches of Multan and Rawalpindi. Babar Azam showed some form with 37 off 44 balls, but it was Mohammad Rizwan who top-scored with a hard-fought 44, and Naseem Shah, batting at No. 9, who added a valuable 40, including four sixes.
Australia’s bowlers made a strong impact from the outset, with Mitchell Starc taking 3 for 33 in a ferocious spell that dismissed Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique early. Starc and Cummins both kept Pakistan under constant pressure with their pace, setting the tone for the rest of the innings.
Although Pakistan’s lower order fought back, with Naseem and Shaheen Afridi hitting five sixes between them, it wasn’t enough. Naseem’s attempts to clear the ropes and push the score past 200 brought Pakistan some hope, but his dismissal ended the innings at 203, leaving Australia a modest yet challenging target.
In the end, despite the spirited resistance from Pakistan’s players, Cummins held his nerve, guiding Australia to a narrow victory and once again demonstrating his knack for leading his team through tense finishes.