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