Haris Rauf Dominates with Three Wickets Against Australia
- Australia chased 204 runs but struggled initially, reaching 139 for six by the 21st over.
- Haris Rauf's exceptional bowling took three wickets and almost turned the game in Pakistan's favor.
- Pat Cummins' steady innings led Australia to win by two wickets, highlighting the risk they faced.
In the first ODI match held at the MCG on November 4, 2024, Australia faced off against Pakistan. Chasing a target of 204 runs, Australia found themselves in a precarious position at 139 for six by the 21st over due to the explosive bowling of Haris Rauf. With key wickets falling in quick succession, the situation looked grim for the home team. However, Captain Pat Cummins managed to stabilize the innings and led his team to victory with a score of 32 not out. Mitchell Starc also shone brightly in this match, reaching his 100 ODI wickets milestone in Australia faster than any other bowler, surpassing Brett Lee's record. His performance helped pile the pressure on the Pakistani batsmen, especially as they managed only 203 runs in their innings. Pakistan's batting was characterized by a struggle to maintain a competitive run rate despite efforts from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan's bowling was largely reliant on Rauf, whose fiery spell received admiration from the crowd and almost derailed Australia's chase. Ultimately, the match showcased the intense competition between the two sides with Australia coming out on top, albeit narrowly. This thrilling encounter serves as an indication of the emerging talent in the cricketing landscape. The victory holds significance for Australia as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments, stressing the need for better batting decisions to improve their chances against strong opponents.