Pat Cummins Leads Australia to Thrilling Win Over Pakistan in Melbourne

Pat Cummins once again proved his reputation as Australia’s clutch performer, steering the reigning world champions to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international (ODI) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Making his ODI comeback since last year’s World Cup in India, Cummins showcased composure under pressure, scoring 32 off 31 balls to help Australia chase down Pakistan’s total of 203 with over 16 overs left.

Cummins, who also contributed with two wickets, added to his record of rescuing Australia from challenging positions. His efforts recall other memorable moments, like scoring the winning runs during the Edgbaston Ashes Test and enduring at the crease in high-stakes World Cup games.

“It was a great win,” Cummins remarked. “I’d rather be watching from the dugout, but it was a fantastic match. Things got tighter than expected, but the bowling performance was exceptional.”

Australia faced a precarious 155/7 when Cummins arrived at the crease, just as Pakistan, energized by Haris Rauf’s three-wicket blitz, was hoping for a breakthrough victory in Australia after nearly eight years. With 19 runs needed and two wickets remaining, Cummins and Mitchell Starc (2*), named Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul, held firm.

Cummins hit a crucial boundary off Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain, bringing Australia level before sealing the win with a single.

Pakistan, competing in their first ODI since missing out on the World Cup semi-finals, saw Babar Azam return to the lineup after being dropped from the latter Tests against England. Youngster Saim Ayub debuted his ODI, partnering with Abdullah Shafique at the top order under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy. However, Starc swiftly removed both openers, dismissing Ayub for one and Shafique for 12.

Rizwan scored 44, while ODI debutant Irfan Khan chipped in with 22 before a run-out. Late contributions from tail-enders Naseem Shah (40) and Shaheen Afridi (24) pushed Pakistan over the 200-mark but ultimately fell short of defending the total against Cummins’ calm finishing.

Image Credits: AL Jazeera

Read More At IPL 2025 Mega Auction Set for End of November in Riyadh: Sources