AUS vs PAK: Pat Cummins made a spectacular return to One Day International (ODI) cricket, starring with both bat and ball to guide Australia to a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan. This match marked the visitors’ first ODI in nearly a year, and they struggled with the bat, managing only 203 runs. However, Cummins’ calm demeanor in the closing stages ensured Australia began their home summer on a high note.
Cummins 🤝 Starc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 4, 2024
Bowling partners🤝 Batting partners#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/a6vZKwkoXR
Australia’s Run Chase
Australia started their run chase quickly, scoring 18 runs in no time. However, they faced early setbacks as Matthew Short misplayed a pull shot against Shaheen Afridi, leading to an early wicket. In the next over, Naseem Shah dismissed the other opener, Jake Fraser-McGurk, who fell to a straightforward catch at mid-on. Despite this shaky start, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis steadied the innings, each hitting a boundary to ease the tension.
Mid-Innings Momentum Shift
Smith batted confidently, smashing two boundaries off Mohammad Hasnain, while Inglis hit a six off Naseem. Australia looked set for a comfortable win, racing to 105 runs by the end of the 15th over. However, the game took a dramatic turn after the drinks break when Haris Rauf charged through the middle order, dismissing Smith and a rampaging Inglis.
A Stunning Turnaround
In a remarkable sequence, Rauf claimed two wickets in two balls, sending Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell back to the pavilion. With three wickets falling for no runs, Australia faced an unexpected challenge. Cummins and Aaron Hardie stepped up to chase the remaining runs, but Hardie fell with 49 runs still needed. Cummins responded by driving his first ball for a boundary, boosting the team’s confidence.
Cummins Steers Australia Home
Despite Sean Abbott being run out with 19 runs required, Cummins kept the scoreboard ticking, hitting two boundaries off Rauf to bring Australia closer to victory. Eventually, his steady batting secured the win, sealing a memorable return to ODI cricket.
Pakistan’s Struggles With The Bat
Earlier in the match, Mitchell Starc gave Australia a strong start, claiming a wicket within two overs. Debutant Saim Ayub fell to an inside edge, and Abdullah Shafique followed shortly after. Pakistan’s new captain, Mohammad Rizwan, struggled against the Australian bowlers, but Babar Azam found form, striking some exquisite boundaries.
Key Wickets Change The Game
Just as Babar and Rizwan seemed to stabilize Pakistan’s innings, Adam Zampa’s entry changed the momentum. He bowled Babar out, and Cummins soon dismissed Kamran Ghulam, leaving Pakistan in dire straits at 70 for 4. Rizwan, who initially struggled, regained composure, but Australia continued to take wickets at crucial moments. At 117 for 6, Pakistan faced a tough situation until Irfan Khan and Shaheen Afridi contributed valuable runs.
A Final Push
Naseem Shah’s explosive batting at the death provided excitement, as he cleared the ropes four times in an entertaining cameo, nearly turning the tide in Pakistan’s favor. Despite their efforts, the team’s total of 203 ultimately proved insufficient against a determined Australian side led by Cummins.
Brief scores: Pakistan 203 in 46.4 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 44, Naseem Shah 40; Mitchell Starc 3/33, Pat Cummins 2/39) lost to Australia 204/8 in 33.3 overs (Josh Inglis 49, Steve Smith 44; Haris Rauf 3/67) by 2 wickets.
Also Read: Sourav Ganguly To MS Dhoni – Top Indian Players Who Retired During Or After Border-Gavaskar Trophy
