Australia Survives Pakistan’s Pace Onslaught to Chase Down 204

Grassroots Cricket|

In a hard-fought ODI clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistan’s fiery pace attack couldn’t prevent a narrow loss to Australia, who clinched victory by two wickets after chasing down a target of 204 in 33.3 overs.

Pakistan, put into bat by Australia, managed 203 all out in 46.4 overs on a pitch that offered ample bounce and pace. Babar Azam stood out with a fluent 37 off 44, but most Pakistani batters struggled. Mohammad Rizwan, captaining Pakistan, was the top scorer with a gritty 44 from 71 balls, while Naseem Shah’s spirited 40 off 39 balls, including four sixes, ensured Pakistan had a defendable total.

Australia’s chase began shakily as Shaheen Afridi struck early, dismissing Matt Short in the third over, while Naseem Shah removed Jake Fraser-McGurk in the next. A steady partnership between Steven Smith and Josh Inglis helped Australia recover, with Smith contributing a composed 44 off 46.

Pakistan’s pacers then launched a counterattack that nearly tilted the game. Shaheen Afridi removed Inglis, and Haris Rauf struck twice in one over, dismissing Labuschagne and Maxwell to leave Australia vulnerable. Mohammad Hasnain continued the momentum by removing Hardie in the 26th over, followed by a run-out that sent Sean Abbot back.

However, it was not enough to hold Australia back. With Australia teetering at 8 down, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc held their nerve, inching closer to the target. Despite Pakistan’s bowlers putting up a fight, Cummins and Starc managed to secure the win for Australia in the 34th over, underscoring a thrilling finish.

Scores in Brief

Pakistan: 203 (Muhammad Rizwan 44 (71), Naseem Shah 40 (39); Mitchell Starc 3/33)

Australia: 204/8 (Josh Inglis 49 (42), Steven Smith 44 (46); Haris Rauf 3/67)

Player of the match: Mitchell Starc

Australia won by 2 wickets