Pat Cummins Shines as Australia Edges Pakistan

Pat Cummins played a crucial role in leading Australia to a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international in Melbourne. Chasing a target of 204, Australia initially appeared in control at 113-2 but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 42 runs which included the dismissals of Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession to Pakistan’s fast bowlers.

Amid the enthusiastic support for Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Cummins steadied the ship by partnering with Sean Abbott for a vital 30 runs which helped stem the flow of wickets. Although Abbott was run out for 13 after an overambitious third run call by Cummins, the Australian captain remained composed finishing the match unbeaten on 32 runs off 31 balls guiding his team to victory with 16.3 overs to spare.

This win marked a strong start to Australia’s home summer which features two more ODIs and three T20s against Pakistan followed by an exciting five-Test series against India. Bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed three wickets and was present at the end alongside Pat Cummins, reflected on the match, stating, “A win is a win no matter how you get there,” despite the unusual sight of him and Cummins wearing pads during the tense moments of the chase.

Pakistan after arriving in Australia following their recent Test victory against England batted first and managed to post 203 all out in 46.4 overs. They relied heavily on an impressive late innings of 40 runs from Naseem Shah, who struck four sixes. Babar Azam returned to international cricket with 37 runs while captain Muhammad Rizwan contributed 44. However, Pakistan struggled at times especially after a shaky start left them reeling at 148-7.