Pakistan’s promising opener, Saim Ayub, confronted a tough begin within the ODI collection in opposition to Australia, falling sufferer to ace speedster Mitchell Starc within the opening sport on the iconic Melbourne Cricket Floor on Monday (November 4).
Saim Ayub’s early dismissal marks a disappointing ODI begin
With expectations excessive and a major alternative to make an influence, Ayub managed solely a single run earlier than falling to the skilled Starc in what turned out to be a game-defining second. The dismissal occurred in the course of the third over of Pakistan’s innings after Australian skipper Pat Cummins selected to bowl first, capitalizing on the early situations. Cummins and Starc maintained a decent line and tempo that suffocated the scoring alternatives for the openers, constructing stress with every passing supply.
The supply by Mitchell Starc that unsettled Ayub
Starc’s mastery with the brand new ball was on full show when he engineered the downfall of Ayub. Approaching from over the wicket, Starc began with a back-of-the-length supply that pushed Ayub onto the defensive, testing his method and reflexes. The stress mounted as Starc, recognized for his deadly in-swingers and delicate variations, adjusted his size on the fourth ball of the over.
He pitched it fuller and lured Ayub into an ill-fated drive. The left-hander, looking for to interrupt the shackles, performed a half-hearted shot that lacked conviction. The ball jagged inward simply sufficient to take the within fringe of Ayub’s bat earlier than rattling the stumps. Ayub’s temporary innings got here to an abrupt finish.
Right here’s the video:
Starc will get the ball rolling! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/CYXcVECkj1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 4, 2024
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Babar Azam steps in to stabilize the Pakistan’s innings
After the early dismissal of Ayub within the third over, Pakistan’s innings wanted fast stabilization. Babar Azam, the staff’s cornerstone and captain, walked out to affix Abdullah Shafique within the center. Australia’s bowlers, led by the ever-threatening Starc and supported by captain Cummins, saved up the stress with disciplined strains and lengths.
Shafique tried to construct on the innings however fell for 12 runs within the seventh over, caught by Josh Inglis off Starc’s bowling. With Pakistan at 24/2, Babar took on the accountability, displaying his regular composure and discovering well timed boundaries to push the rating ahead. Partnering with Mohammad Rizwan, Babar moved confidently to 37 not out off 41 balls. Nevertheless in a while Babar succumbed to Adam Zampa’s crafty spin. With each top-order batters gone, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam should now forge a vital partnership to resurrect the innings as Pakistan finds themselves struggling at 68/3 in 18 overs
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