Mitchell Starc elated to 'start summer off in positive way' with win vs Pakistan
Mitchell Starc was elated to start off the summer in a positive way with a Player of the Match performance in the 1st ODI between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 4. Australia beat Pakistan by 2 wickets in the 1st ODI match and Starc shone with the ball with match figures of 3/33 in his 10-over quota. The left-arm pacer reached a significant milestone as his fiery new-ball spell left the Pakistan openers, Saim Ayyub and Abdullah Shafique struggling.
“It’s always nice to start the summer off in a positive stay. We are looking for powerplay wickets. Think it was a really positive effort with the ball…then we got the job done. Maybe a little sloppy from us in the field. Certainly thought it was below par. It’s a very big summer, but five more white-ball games before that,” Starc said in the post-match presentation.
Mitchell Starc enters elite list
Starc’s efforts were rewarded when he dismissed both openers, and achieved his 100th ODI wicket on home soil. This achievement places him in elite company, becoming only the sixth Australian bowler to reach this milestone, joining legends Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Craig McDermott, and Steve Waugh.
The veteran seamer struck first by bowling debutant Saim Ayyub, who inside-edged the ball onto his stumps in Starc’s second over. He soon followed this with the wicket of Abdullah Shafique, who edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis while attempting to leave it. Starc capped his impressive spell by clean-bowling Shaheen Afridi, adding a third wicket to his tally and showcasing his dominance on Australian soil.
Australia beat Pakistan
Pat Cummins led Australia to a tense win over Pakistan in the first ODI at the MCG, showcasing his coolness under pressure. Chasing a modest target of 204 runs, Australia lost both openers early but seemed comfortable as Josh Inglis and Steve Smith found their rhythm, building a strong partnership. Just when Australia looked in control, Haris Rauf’s fiery spell turned the game on its head, as he claimed three quick wickets, reducing Australia from 112/2 to 155/7.
Rauf, along with Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain, created pressure, leaving Australia in a precarious position. Cummins and Sean Abbott then added a critical 30-run stand before Abbott was run out. Despite Rizwan’s proactive captaincy and Rauf’s return for a final burst, Cummins held firm alongside Mitchell Starc, guiding Australia home with a composed partnership. The win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series.
