MELBOURNE – Pakistan’s batting lineup faced early setbacks in the first One Day International (ODI) match against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as part of their three-match series.
After winning the toss, Australia opted to field, putting Pakistan in to bat.
The Pakistani side struggled to establish a firm footing, losing four wickets early in their innings.
Opening batter Saim Ayub was dismissed for a mere 1 run by Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who later also took the wicket of Abdullah Shafique for 12 runs, adding pressure on Pakistan’s top order.
Captain Babar Azam managed to put up a fight, scoring 37 runs, but he fell to Adam Zampa, while Kamran Ghulam contributed 5 runs before being dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins.
The Pakistani squad for the ODI series includes Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.
Pakistan is currently on an Australia tour, where they are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20 matches.
