Australia overcome sensational Rauf in a low-scoring thriller
Chasing a modest Pakistan total in Melbourne, Australia's chase was nearly derailed by Haris Rauf's pace before Pat Cummins pulled off a rescue act with the bat.
After the likes of Mitchell Starc (3/33) and Pat Cummins (2/39) had helped bowl Pakistan out for 203 in the first ODI in Melbourne, Australia looked well on track with an 85-run stand between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis.
However, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf, featuring in his first ODI since the Cricket World Cup 2023, stung Australia's chase with a brilliant spell.
Rauf dealt three massive blows in the form of Steven Smith, Marcus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell between the 17th and 21st overs. He dismissed Labuschagne and Maxwell off consecutive deliveries in the 21st over.
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Looking back at his spell after the game, Rauf was pleased at his effort and professed his love for bowling at the MCG.
"In the back of my mind, I knew I had a chance to take a hat-trick again on this ground. I love the MCG, a lot of memories at this ground so I enjoy (playing here)," Rauf said in reference to a hat-trick on his Big Bash League debut at the MCG against Sydney Thunder.
Though Australia slipped from a commanding 113/2 to 139/6 and 185/8 at one stage, skipper Cummins came to the rescue with a fighting 32* that helped save the day by two wickets for the hosts.
Despite the loss, visiting skipper Mohammad Rizwan was pleased at the resilience shown by his team, and backed his strategy to not use a fifth bowling option in their defence.
"I think we did very well. What we decided as a bowling group was not to have any fifth or sixth bowlers because the game was never going to go to 50 overs. We missed a few chances and the luck was with Australia, so congratulations to them.
"It's difficult to read anything into this game, the result is in God's hands, but I'm happy with the fight we put up,” said Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan.
A look back at another fiery battle between Pakistan pacers and Australia batters
Wahab Riaz bowled one of the most exciting spells in World Cup history, taking wickets and giving Pakistan a chance of beating Australia in Adelaide in the CWC15 Quarter-Final on March 19th 2015.
Post the thrilling win, Pat Cummins praised the team for getting the job done, following a superb bowling performance to restrict the Pakistan batters to 203. The skipper also shed light and stood by his side’s aggressive approach.
“Tonight we got it done, always much prefer sitting in the changing room, got a bit tighter than we'd have liked," said Cummins.
"Very happy with how the guys bowled. 200 was a great score. Think for three quarters of it we were really good, looking to play aggressive and sometimes it won't pay off, but think still room to try and find a couple of partnerships."
The second ODI is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 8 in Adelaide.