Australia Restricts Pakistan to 203 with Starc and Cummins' Dominance

In a thrilling display of pace and precision, Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, kept Pakistan’s batters in check, limiting them to a modest total of 203 runs in 46.4 overs. The game took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where a pro-Pakistan crowd was hopeful for a strong batting display from their team. However, the Australian bowlers executed their plans meticulously, creating a significant challenge for Pakistan from the outset.

Starc’s Electrifying Spell Sets Australia on Course

Mitchell Starc, with his sharp pace and pinpoint accuracy, was a standout performer, showcasing why he’s one of the most feared pacers in the world. Starc’s spell was characterized by a combination of raw speed and disciplined line and length. His 3 for 33 from 10 overs, including three maidens, was a continuation of his excellent form. He recently impressed in the Sheffield Shield, where he claimed seven wickets at the MCG, and he carried that momentum into this game, leaving Pakistan's top order vulnerable.
Starc’s spell wasn’t just effective; it was ruthless. With speeds hovering around the 140 kph mark, he consistently challenged the batters, extracting bounce and movement from the pitch. His attack started with an impressive dismissal of Saim Ayub, who was playing his ODI debut. Ayub, eager to make an impact, attempted a drive but chopped the ball onto his stumps. Starc’s combination of speed and accuracy continued to keep Pakistan’s batsmen on their toes, marking a tough start for the visiting side.

Pakistan’s Adjustment Struggles on MCG’s Bouncy Pitch

Pakistan’s batters, having recently played on the spin-friendly pitches of Multan and Rawalpindi, struggled to adjust to the MCG’s faster, bouncier surface. This abrupt change in playing conditions posed a challenge, as the ball behaved quite differently than it had on Pakistan’s home grounds. With limited time to acclimate, Pakistan’s top order was visibly under pressure, particularly as they faced Australia’s aggressive pace attack.
Babar Azam, the captain, tried to provide stability with a composed 37 off 44 balls. Babar’s elegance and timing were on display, and he appeared more comfortable against Australia’s pace than his teammates. However, despite his efforts, he faced immense pressure to push the scoreboard, which led to his eventual dismissal. The standout feature of Pakistan’s innings was the lack of acceleration, with many batters, including Babar, struggling to find opportunities to score freely.

Rizwan and Babar’s Steady, Yet Slow, Partnership

When Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan joined forces at the crease, Pakistan was in desperate need of a partnership to anchor their innings. Both experienced players approached the game with caution, aiming to provide some stability after the initial setbacks. While Babar appeared to be in good touch, Rizwan struggled to gain momentum, taking 71 balls to reach his top score of 44. This prolonged approach, though steady, failed to significantly boost Pakistan’s total, allowing Australia to maintain control.
Rizwan, new to captaincy, appeared somewhat restrained, perhaps more focused on preservation than acceleration. He was tied down by the tight lines bowled by Starc, Cummins, and the rest of the Australian attack. His conservative approach provided little reprieve to Pakistan’s innings, as scoring boundaries became increasingly rare. Even though he managed to hook Starc for a six over fine leg, it proved to be one of the few scoring highlights in his innings.

Cummins’ Impact and A Steady Collapse

Pat Cummins supported Starc with a brilliant spell of his own, taking 2 for 39. Cummins’ performance was marked by his disciplined line and length, which made it difficult for the Pakistani batters to find gaps. His approach complemented Starc’s aggression, creating sustained pressure that kept Pakistan from building any significant partnerships.
One of Cummins’ standout moments was his dismissal of Kamran Ghulam, who faced a fiery short ball at 142.7 kph. The delivery rose sharply, forcing Ghulam to fend it off, only to glove it to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis. This delivery symbolized Cummins’ dominance, showing his ability to intimidate batters with sheer pace and accuracy.

Zampa, Labuschagne Join the Attack

Australia’s spin options, Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne, made crucial contributions to break Pakistan’s middle order. Zampa, though primarily a leg-spinner, mixed his lengths smartly to challenge the Pakistani batters’ shot selection. It was Zampa’s clever bowling that eventually led to Babar’s dismissal; attempting a back-foot shot, Babar misjudged the length and found his off stump knocked over. This moment underscored Pakistan’s struggles to read the Australian bowlers and maintain a consistent rhythm.
Labuschagne, who typically bowls medium pace in domestic cricket, showed his versatility by switching to leg spin. This strategic shift paid off when he dismissed Rizwan. Attempting a sweep, Rizwan top-edged the ball, resulting in a catch by Inglis after it ricocheted off his helmet. This wicket was a pivotal moment for Australia, further denting Pakistan’s hopes of a late-order recovery.

A Late Surge from the Lower Order

While Pakistan’s top and middle order struggled, the tail-end batsmen injected some much-needed energy. Naseem Shah led the charge from the lower order, displaying fearless hitting as he smashed 40 off just 39 balls. His innings included four sixes, and his aggressive approach was in stark contrast to the cautious approach seen earlier. Alongside Naseem, Shaheen Afridi contributed a quick 24 off 19 balls, adding crucial runs that brought Pakistan’s total beyond the 200-mark.
Naseem’s big-hitting was a particular highlight, as he went after Australia’s spinners with confidence. He launched Zampa and Glenn Maxwell for sixes, showing that the Pakistan lineup had the capability to push the scoring rate, albeit a bit too late. Their last-ditch effort lifted Pakistan from 117 for 6 to a more respectable 203, but it remained clear that the total was still far from competitive.

Australia’s Batting to Begin with New Opening Pair

With Pakistan’s innings concluded, Australia will embark on their chase of 204 with a fresh opening pair in Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Both players will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity, especially as the selectors seek a long-term opening partner for Travis Head once he returns. This innings provides them with a platform to make a strong case for themselves in Australia’s ODI lineup, particularly in the absence of regular starters.

Conclusion

In a gripping display of bowling prowess, Australia restricted Pakistan to a low score of 203, setting up an attainable target for their chase. Starc’s sensational spell, combined with Cummins’ controlled pace and effective support from Zampa and Labuschagne, kept Pakistan’s batting lineup under relentless pressure. Although Pakistan’s lower-order batsmen Naseem and Shaheen tried to counterattack, it proved insufficient to build a formidable total. With a manageable target ahead, Australia will look to their fresh opening pair to secure a win and showcase their strength in both bowling and batting departments. This game exemplifies the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar pitch conditions and highlights Australia’s ability to exploit home advantage with skill and strategy.

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