Australia vs Pakistan PAK in AUS, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full Scorecard

That is it! Pat Cummins has led his team right from the front and takes them over the line. This 32 off 31 is nothing short of a true testament to his composure under pressure. Hasnain bowls it short of a length and outside off, Pat Cummins waits back and punches it past the diving fielder at point to his right and gets the winning run.

Follows up with a nice delivery, at the stumps, on a hard length, Pat Cummins gets his bat low and keeps it out.

FOUR! Thumping hit to level the scores! Hasnain serves this in the slot on middle and off, Pat Cummins duly obliges and whips it straight down the ground past the bowler and to the left of mid on for a boundary.

Fires it with good pace at the stumps, on a fuller length, Mitchell Starc taps it to mid off.

Full and into the pads, Pat Cummins clips it to deep square leg for a single. Just 5 runs needed now!

Short and outside off, Pat Cummins stands tall and swats it nicely but can't get it past cover.

Angles the short one in, on middle and leg, Mitchell Starc hops back and tucks it in front of square leg and scampers across for the run. Australia one big hit away now!

Keeps it short and well wide of off, Mitchell Starc is happy to leave it alone.

Comes from around the wicket and hurls it nice and full, at the stumps, Mitchell Starc whips it off the lower half of the bat to mid off.

Takes the single off the last ball and gets off the mark. An attempted yorker, outside off, that goes as a very low full toss. Starc throws his hands at it and hits it past point for a single. Australia need 7 more runs to win. More importantly for Pakistan, it will be Starc back on strike!

Back of a length, over middle, Mitchell Starc dabs it to the off side.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, Mitchell Starc firms his straight drive well but Hasnain does equally well to half stop it on his follow-through.

Comes from over the wicket and bangs it into the deck, outside off, Mitchell Starc sways away from the line and lets it go through to the keeper.

Oh, dear, this does not look good for Naseem Shah. He is suffering from cramps in his left leg. Michael Vaughan informs that Pakistan have received their second warning for failing to start the over within the stipulated 60 seconds. A third offence will result in a 5-run penalty. Naseem will be unable to continue. He is walking off with the physio.

On a length, on middle, Mitchell Starc taps it back to the bowler. Naseem Shah seems to have pulled his left hamstring or the calf muscle. Ouch, it's the calf that is troubling him!

Steams in from over the wicket and lands it full at the stumps, Mitchell Starc looks to tuck it across but closes the bat face a bit too early. Gets a leading edge that rolls all along the ground to mid off.

Naseem Shah (7-0-39-1) returns to the attack.

FOUR! Beautiful shot and the equation is now down to single digits! A touch too full and on off, Pat Cummins stands still and times his drive well past mid off to his left and gets a boundary. Australia need just 8 more runs now.

Fuller and on middle, this one keeps a bit low and skids off the deck, Pat Cummins jams it out to mid on. Haris Rauf tumbles on his follow-through again!

Hard length, on middle and off, Pat Cummins shows full face of the bat and pushes it back to the bowler.

Pitched up, on off, Pat Cummins lofts it over backward point and gets two more runs. Captain leading from the front and is taking his side close to the finish line.

WIDE! That doesn't help Pakistan's cause one bit! Haris Rauf is shell-shocked by the decision from the umpire. Digs it short and over leg, Pat Cummins awkwardly ducks across and lets it go through.

FOUR! That should ease the nerves! A poor delivery from Haris Rauf and Pat Cummins pounces onto it. Short and wide on off, Pat Cummins just slaps it over point and helps himself to a boundary. Australia need 15 more runs.

Angles the short one, into the ribcage, on leg, Pat Cummins hops back and tucks it to mid on.

Afridi goes into the wicket but the line is not close enough to make the batter play, Mitchell Starc lets it go. Afridi ends with figures of 10-0-43-2. Australia need 19 runs.

Gets the yorker with a bit of tail back into the left-hander from over the wicket, on middle and leg, Mitchell Starc gets his bat out in front and digs it out to mid on.

Mitchell Starc is the new man in.

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear, that's sloppy from Sean Abbott and this wicket could cost them the game. Shaheen Afridi bangs it into the deck, on a back of a length and on off, Pat Cummins punches it well through cover and gets two runs with ease. Salman Agha charges for the ball, slides ahead and picks it up nicely to throw it. His throw lacks power and it dribbles towards the bowling end. Pat Cummins sets off for the third and so does Sean Abbott. Shaheen Afridi moves across to collect the ball and turns around to hit the bullseye at the striker's end. Sean Abbott wasn't expecting the throw to be relayed back at his end and failed to make his ground in time. The third umpire is called into action and the replays show that Sean is short of his crease. Big, big moment in the game.

A direct hit! Pakistan are celebrating. Sean Abbott took it casually towards the end of the third run. Has he paid the price? Yes, he has. He is short of his crease when the throw hits the stumps.

Back of a length and over middle, Pat Cummins dabs it down the deck.

On a hard length, on off, Pat Cummins winds up for a big shot but adjusts at the very end and just check it to mid off.

Digs it short and over off, Pat Cummins rides the bounce beautifully and punches it to point. The fielder fumbles and the ball goes through his hands for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight, at the hips, on a hard length, Sean Abbott glances it off the back foot and beats the sliding deep fine leg fielder to his right for a boundary. Australia need 23 runs.

Did that carry? Short and around off, Sean Abbott pulls it in front of square and hits it a bit uppishly. The ball lands in front of Babar Azam at mid-wicket who lets it go through his legs and concedes a couple of runs.

Cummins was gone had the throw hit! A big opportunity missed by Rauf! Rauf lands it on a back of a length, on off, Abbott rises with the bounce and drops it down on the off side. Cummins sets off for the run but gets sent back halfway through the run. Rauf swoops in to his left on his follow through. Turns around and fires in a throw at the bowling end. Cummins had given up and was gone for all money had the throw hit.

Rauf sees the batter back away and he follows him, on a shortish length, Cummins nudges it off his ribs to deep fine leg for a run. Australia need 29 runs.

Shortish delivery, a hint of width on off, Cummins tries to flay it away on the off side but gets beaten by the extra bounce as the ball goes over the bat.

Serves it on a hard length from over the wicket with a deepish short leg in place. Bowls it on off, Sean Abbott goes deep in his crease and pushes it to the right of Rauf for a single.

Haris Rauf (6-0-46-3) comes back into the attack.

Afridi goes into the wicket, on middle and leg, Abbott brings out the pull and hits it to deep backward square leg for a run. Australia need 31 runs.

With a silly point in place, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Cummins glances it down to deep fine leg and picks up a single.

Delivers it on a back of a length, not as quick as the previous delivery, Cummins confidently keeps it out on the off side.

Good bumper! Sharp and quick, at the left shoulder of the batter, Cummins hurriedly ducks and gets out of the way. Smiles exchanged between Cummins and Afridi.

In and around the off-stump line from around the wicket, on a good length, Cummins dabs it from the crease to backward point.

Angling in, at the hips, on a hard length, Sean Abbott tickles it down to deep fine leg and gets to the other end.

Drinks! With the game hanging in the balance, Australia needing just 34 runs and Pakistan three wickets away from sealing a dramatic win, this breather couldn’t have come at a better moment. Pakistan are brimming with energy, sensing that one more breakthrough could edge them closer to sealing this thrilling game. However, a few loose extras gradually eased the pressure on Australia. Pat Cummins has shown remarkable composure, steadying the chase as he shoulders the responsibility for Australia. For Pakistan, all eyes will be on when Haris Rauf will return to the attack, who might just be the key to unlocking that crucial wicket they need to regain control. Shaheen Afridi is handed the ball for now!

On a back of a length, angling in, on off, Cummins pushes it with a straight bat to mid off.

Naseem continues to go into the wicket, on off, Cummins gets on the back foot and fends it down.

Gets the ball to climb onto the batter, short and on off, Cummins rises with the bounce and defends it down to the left of the man at silly point.

A deepish silly point in place now instead of a short leg, on a shortish length, on off, Cummins gets on his toes and keeps it out.

Naseem serves another bumper, around off, Cummins fends it down safely on the off side.

WIDE! Way too short by Naseem, on middle and leg, Cummins ducks and lets it go. Wided. 3 runs off 1 legal ball.

With a short leg in place, Naseem goes short, on middle and leg, Sean Abbott hops and swivels to help the pull down to deep fine leg for a run.

WIDE! Naseem sprays it down leg, on a length, Sean Abbott misses the tickle. Wide given.

Hasnain bashes the hard length, on off and middle, Pat Cummins hangs back and jabs it to the left of deep square leg for two more runs. Australia get 12 runs off the over despite the loss of Hardie. They need 37 more runs to win with 3 wickets in hand.

Full at the stumps, Pat Cummins clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

On the fuller side, on off, Cummins eases the drive to cover.

WIDE! And again! Hasnain digs it in short but it is too short and it sails over the batter's head for a wide.

WIDE! Mohammad Hasnain serves a bumper but this is too short and it goes over the batter's head for a wide.

So nearly chopped it back onto the stumps! A skiddy short delivery, on off, Cummins hops and tries to stay leg side of the ball as he looks to fend it down on the off side. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps and rolls down to deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Cummins is up and running! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Cummins obliges as he cracks the cut and beats the man in the deep to his left for a boundary.

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins makes his way out to bat at number 9. Australia need 49 more runs off 149 balls.

OUT! TIMBER! Mohammad Hasnain strikes! Hasnain did not have the best of the first spells but has fought back well in the second spell and he now gets the reward. Hasnain hits the deck hard and gets the ball to skid through, on a nagging length, at the stumps, Aaron Hardie premeditates as he backs away to the leg side and ends up giving himself too much room. Hardie goes for the cut but fails to connect. The ball scoots under his bat and clatters into the stumps. Hardie goes for 10 (19). Australia are now 155/7, needing 49 runs.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! Naseem digs it in short again, at the batter, Sean Abbott hops to keep it out but the ball gets big on him. It hits the splice of the bat and falls in the vacant short leg region.

Another attempted bumper from Naseem, at the ribcage of the batter, Sean Abbott hops and fends it down safely on the leg side.

Naseem continues to bowl into the wicket, on off, Sean Abbott swivels for the pull but he fails to connect as the ball goes under the bat.

Naseem digs it in short and gets it around the chest of the batter, Sean Abbott is late on the pull and mistimes the shot to mid-wicket.

Lands it full, on off, Sean Abbott drives it confidently to mid off.

Naseem serves it on a back of a length, on off, Hardie punches it square of the wicket on the off side and takes the single.

Bowls it on a short of a length, on middle, Hardie punches it wide of mid on and takes a single.

Fuller and around off, Hardie makes the leave. The ball does not carry to the keeper and goes on the bounce to Rizwan.

Fuller and on off, Hardie firms the drive back to the bowler. Hasnain turns around and tries to flick the ball towards the stumps at the bowling end to catch Sean by surprise but he never left his crease.

A huge shout for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved! Mohammad Hasnain is convinced but Rizwan is not convinced enough to take the review. This jags back in off a good length, around off, Hardie gets on the front foot to keep it out with a straight bat. Gets beaten on the inside edge and hits him high on the back leg. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have gone over the stumps. So, a wise decision not to review.

Delivers it on a back of a length, on off, Hardie punches it in front of square on the off side. The fielder in the deep is a bit late to get in off the ropes and the batters steal the second run. Good running!

Naseem Shah is off the field for the moment. He is seen stretching out his left hamstring.

Slanting in, on a good length, on middle, Hardie looks to play at it but ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Pitched up by Rauf, on off, Sean Abbott lunges and times the drive nicely to mid off.

Rauf takes pace off and hits the deck hard, Sean Abbott tries to drag the pull from outside off but swings early and fails to connect. Rauf falls over in his follow through and seems to have hurt his left knee. Nothing serious as Rauf gets back up on his feet.

On a length, attacking the stumps, Sean Abbott covers the line of the ball and keeps it out on the off side.

WIDE! With a deepish silly point in place, Rauf goes short but gets the line wrong, down leg. Sean Abbott ducks and lets it go.

Rauf digs it in short, at the helmet of the batter, Hardie rides the bounce and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a run.

Rauf dishes it out on a hard length, on off, Sean Abbott hangs back and steers it between cover-point and backward point for a run.

This is on a back of a length, on off, Sean Abbott hops and drops it with soft hands in front of cover. Looks for a single but gets sent back by Hardie.

Back to over the wicket now, full and on off, Hardie gets on the front foot to block it out down the deck.

Tucks the batter up for room, on a back of a length, on off, Hardie hops and stabs it down on the off side.

Comes from around the wicket and bowls the tempter, full and wide on off, Aaron Hardie does not fall for the trap and leaves it all alone.

Fuller this time from Afridi, on a length, on middle, Hardie nudges it to mid-wicket.

On a nagging length, on off and middle, Aaron Hardie hangs back and defends it down the deck.

On a short of a length, over middle, Sean Abbott pulls it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Edged away! Fortuitous boundary for Hardie. Rauf bashes the hard length and keeps it around off, Hardie fiddles at the delivery and gets an outside edge that flies well over the leaping keeper to his right. End of an eventful over. 8 runs and 2 wickets off it. Australia need 57 more.

Short again, over middle and off, Aaron Hardie ducks under and lets this go through.

TWO WIDES! Fired down leg and Sean Abbott misses on the flick. Mohammad Rizwan fails to collect it cleanly and allows the batter an extra run.

Almost another one! The crowd is right behind the visitors and batting suddenly looks like a big task in the middle! Rauf keeps it short and over off, Aaron Hardie looks to fend it out but gets hurried a bit. The ball lobs off the shoulder of the bat and falls well in short of the fielder at backward point. They cross.

Nerves of steel from Abbott! Haris Rauf overcompensates and goes very full, on leg, Sean Abbott just flicks it off his pads to deep fine leg for a single.

Sean Abbott walks out to bat next and will face the hattrick ball from Rauf!

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Two in two for Rauf! The game has turned on its head and how! Australia lose three in quick succession without adding a run and Haris Rauf is now on a hattrick! Rauf steams in from over the wicket and lands it on a nagging length, around off, Glenn Maxwell looks to get closer to the line of the ball and ends up having a slight poke at the delivery. Gets a feather on it and the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan does the rest. Pakistan have their tails up. Australia are 6 down now and still need 65 more.

Glenn Maxwell walks out to bat next for Australia!

OUT! TAKEN! Australia lose two in quick succession and it is game on! Haris digs it in short, around off, Marnus Labuschagne hops and tries to rise with the bounce to glide it down to deep third with an opened bat face. The ball gets big on him and plays it a bit too close to his body. Fails to control the shot as it catches the shoulder of the bat and flies down to deep third. Irfan Khan runs in off the ropes and slides in front to take the catch. From 113/2, Australia have slipped to 139/5, needing 65 runs.

On length from over the wicket, on the off stump, angling across, Hardie drops his hands and let's it through to the keeper to end that over.

Angling away, on a good length, on off, Hardie defends it down on the off side.

Aaron Hardie comes out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh dear, a blinder from Irfan Khan soon after that valiant effort and this it just outstanding stuff! Pakistan needed something special in the middle and they just got that. Afridi digs it in short again, but not very short, on middle. This sits up well for Josh Inglis to pull but he gets a bit late on the shot. Hits it flat and to the left of deep mid-wicket. Irfan Khan is quick across the turf and dives to his left to grab the ball with both his hands. Josh Inglis departs after a well made 49 off 42 and Pakistan will see a slight opening to push themselves through now.

SIX! Wow, that's a great shot from Inglis but an even better effort from Irfan Khan at the fence. In vain though because he stepped on the fence well before attempting to pull it back in. This is dug in short and over middle, Josh Inglis pulls and gets a good connection well over deep mid-wicket. Irfan Khan steps on the boundary cushion, uses that extra elevation, times his leap behind perfectly to get to the ball and throws it back in before falling over.

Banged in short, outside leg, Afridi rolls his fingers over the ball, Inglis makes room and flat bats it over mid-off fielder for a brace.

Bangs it into the deck, on a shorter length, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne rolls his wrist on the ball and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Swing and a miss to end that Rauf over. Pitched in short, Inglis makes room to glide it over short third but misses by a long margin and it goes through to the keeper's gloves.

What a nice shot from Labuschagne! Makes room for himself going way down to the leg side and swats this short of a length delivery through the gap at point. Gets three runs off it.

Banged in short again, directed into the body, towards the batter, Marnus is quick to judge the length, hangs back and half pulls it over mid-wicket for a brace. Nice intensity in running there by the two Australian batters.

Slanting in, on a short of a length, on leg, Josh Inglis gets inside the line and helps it on its way to deep fine for a single.

Pitched in short, way outside off, comes off quicker off the wicket. Marnus hangs back, swivels and guides it towards deep square leg and picks up another single.

Full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it to mid off.

Slightly back of a length, angled towards middle stump, Marnus taps it toward square leg for a single.

FOUR! What timing! Sublime from Labuschagne! Afridi bowls this on a length, on off, Marnus Labuschagne with a steady head position just leans a bit and times his shot perfectly to the right of mid off for a boundary.

Comes in from around the wicket does Afridi, fuller in length, angled into the pads. Labuschange defends it down the deck.

Outside off, on a length, Marnus Labuschagne is happy to leave it alone.

Nudged away for another single. Full and onto the pads, Inglis gets his bat ahead of his pads in time and it trickles away towards backward square leg for a single.

Charges in from over the wicket and lands it full, at the stumps, Josh Inglis drives it to mid on.

Pitched in short, just outside off, this one comes into the batter off the wicket and Marnus waits back to defend it back into the ground.

FOUR! Streaky way to get off the mark! Short and over off from Rauf, Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and ramps it off the outer half of the bat. The ball flies over the first slip and races away to the fence.

Starts off to Marnus on a back of a length, Marnus hops, skips and defends it back into the ground with a high elbow.

OUT! CAUGHT! Haris Rauf gets away with that delivery and Steven Smith will be kicking himself for giving away his wicket to a delivery he would have put away 9 times out of 10. Rauf offers width and keeps it short, outside off, Steven Smith hops back and looks to slash it over the infield on off but fails to get the elevation. Hits it towards backward point where Saim Ayub times his leap right and takes a very fine catch over his head. Steven Smith walks back for 44 off 46 balls and Australia are now 113/3, needing 91 more runs.

Marnus Labuschagne is the new man in.

WIDE! Very short and over middle, Steven Smith fails to ramp it over and the umpire calls it a wide.

FOUR! Cannot bowl there to Steven Smith! A bit short of a length and outside off, Steven Smith is quick to rock back and punches it through point. Naseem Shah from deep point charges to his right and slides but fails to keep it in.

Nicely bowled! So nearly chopped it back onto the stumps! On a good length, just around off with the angle coming in, Josh Inglis looks to cut it square but gets a thick inside edge that goes past the stumps to deep fine leg for a single.

Into the stumps, on a hard length, Steven Smith with deft hands turns it around to mid-wicket. Australia need 97 more runs to win.

Digs it short and over middle, Josh Inglis quickly swivels across and helps the pull square on the leg side to deep square leg for a single.

On a length, on off, Josh Inglis punches it hard but straight to cover.

Fires it in full and at the stumps, Josh Inglis is hurried a bit but manages to squeeze it out to mid on.

On a good length, on off, Smith punches it to deep cover for a single.

On a length, on off, Steven Smith taps it to mid off.

Steven Smith is in for a flash interview during the break. He says that he is feeling nice out there and it is good to spend some time out in the middle. Shares that the talk has been about seeing the ball and playing the ball on its merit. Mentions that they got a good couple of overs and hopes that they can cruise through the rest of the chase.

Drinks break! Australia have recovered well after the early loss of the two openers. Steven Smith has looked solid as ever and Josh Inglis is slowly but surely growing into confidence. Despite taking a couple of wickets early, Pakistan haven't been able to sustain any substantial pressure on the hosts. Australia have kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate, and unless Pakistan manage to trigger a dramatic collapse, the hosts seem well on track for a comfortable win here.

A very expensive over from Haris Rauf comes to an end! 12 runs off it. This is short and over off, Steven Smith waits for the ball to get to him and rolls his wrists over the ball, pulling it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, on off, Josh Inglis hops back and tucks it across in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller than a good length, on off, Josh Inglis opens the bat face and with soft hands glides it to short third.

On a length, on off, Josh Inglis gets right behind the line and dabs it to mid off.

FIVE WIDES! It's all going one way now! Fired in full and down leg, Josh Inglis looks to flick but misses. The ball is well away from the reach of Rizwan's dive to his left and races away for a boundary.

FOUR! Fortune favouring the brave! Rauf bangs it into the deck, on a length and Josh Inglis looks to open the bat face and steer it fine. Gets a faint outside edge that goes between the keeper and wide first slip for a boundary.

On a length, on off, Steven Smith miscues his shot through off and gets an inside edge to square leg for a single.

FOUR! Hasnain's struggle to contain runs continues and this partnership is blooming now. Short and on middle, Josh Inglis pulls and gets it over mid-wicket for a boundary to end the over.

SIX! Gets more than enough on it to send it sailing over the fence. Mohammad Hasnain digs it in short and angles it into the batter on leg, Josh Inglis just helps it on its way over deep fine leg for a biggie.

Goes very full, on off does Hasnain, Josh Inglis eases it out to mid off.

On middle and leg, on a length, Steven Smith clips it to fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Classic Smith! Hasnain errs by a bit and Smith cashes in! On a length, outside off, Smith drives it beautifully through the gap at cover for a boundary.

Good length, on off, Steven Smith gets right behind the line and knocks it down to mid off.

FOUR! Beautiful shot from Inglis! Brings up the 50-run partnership between these two. A bit too full, on off, Josh Inglis leans on it and times his drive well past mid off to his left. Australia need 126 more runs to win in 222 balls!

Angles it in, on a good length, on off, Steven Smith covers the line and looks to play at it with a straight bat. Gets a thick outside edge that rolls behind to deep third for a single. The partnership is now up to 46 runs!

Fuller in length, on off, Steven Smith frees his arms and drives it well but can't get it past cover.

Fuller and outside off, Steven Smith sees the line and opts to shoulder arms.

On a length, outside off, Steven Smith with very soft hands sticks his bat ahead and stabs it down the deck.

Starts from over the wicket and lands the first one on a good length, on off, Josh Inglis stays rooted and plays it to cover where Irfan Khan fails to collect it cleanly allowing the batters to cross.

Haris Rauf comes into the attack, replacing Naseem Shah.

Back of a length, on off, Steven Smith punches it with a straight bat to mid on.

Full and angling into the pads, Steven Smith clips it off his pads to deep square leg and comfortably gets two runs.

Hits the deck hard, on a short of a length, over off, Steven Smith dabs it down the deck.

On a length, on off, Steven Smith gets closer to the line and knocks it down to cover.

Goes full and attacks the stumps, Josh Inglis drives it well to the left of mid on who dives and makes a fine stop to keep it down to just a single.

Back of a length, on middle, Steven Smith hops back and tucks it to the right of mid on for a single.

Short and outside off, Josh Inglis looks to ride the bounce and punch it away but miscues off the inside edge to the on side.

SIX! Latched and dispatched with ease! Short and over off, Josh Inglis quickly reads the length and nails his pull over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Gets it right again. On a good length, over off with a hint of away shape off the deck. Josh Inglis confidently blocks it down the deck.

Nicely bowled! Hits the right length, just outside off with some extra bounce off the deck. Josh Inglis has a feel for it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Gets the line a bit closer this time, on a length and outside off, Steven Smith gets closer to the line and punches it through covers for a single.

From over the wicket, Naseem gets some away movement off the deck, well outside off, on a length, Steven Smith lets it go past.

End of Powerplay 1! Pakistan are now allowed to have up to 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

Oh, a tight single! Hasnain bowls it on a short of a length, on off, Smith taps it with soft hands in front of mid on and gets to the other end quickly. Irfan Khan swoops in and picks it up cleanly. Fires in a throw at the bowling end but misses. It would have been interesting had the throw hit.

This is on a back of a length, outside the off stump, Smith hops and defends it down the deck.

This shoots off the deck slightly, on a nagging length, on off, Smith accounts for the extra bounce and fends it down on the off side.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Smith gets inside the line and whips it off the pads to mid-wicket.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Inglis works it wide of mid-wicket and calls Smith through for a quick single.

Pitched by Hasnain, on off, driven to mid off with a straight bat by Inglis.

FOUR! Quality shot! Naseem bowls it short and it is fractionally wide on off, Smith lets the ball come to him and plays it right under his eyes. Cuts it past backward point for a boundary.

At 141.3 kph, on off, on a shortish length, Steven Smith drops his wrists and lets the ball go through.

On a good length, outside off, Steven Smith lets it go.

DROPPED! Irfan Khan puts it down! Naseem bends his back and digs it in short. Gets a good lift off the deck, on off, Josh Inglis looks to fend it down on the off side but the ball gets big on him and the ball skids off the deck. Catches the shoulder of the bat and it flies towards gully where Irfan Khan leaps to his right but fails to cling on. The ball hits his palm and goes to the right of the backward point fielder who moved to his left in anticipation. They cross.

On a short of a length, outside off, Josh cuts it on the bounce towards backward point where Ayub dives to his left to make the stop.

Naseem gets a change of end! Steams in from over the wicket and serves it on a hard length, on off, Inglis is firmly behind it on the back foot.

FOUR! Short and punished! Hasnain bangs it into the deck but does not get it short enough to trouble the batter. Steven Smith rides the bounce nicely and rolls his wrists to control the pull. Hits it to the left of deep backward square leg for four more runs.

The length is pulled back now, outside off, Smith stays back and pats it down on the off side.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Hasnain hurls it full and on off, Steven Smith covers the line of the ball and lets his hands flow into the shot. Drives it to the left of mid on for a boundary. The 50 comes up for Australia!

Too full and on the pads, Josh Inglis flicks it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

At 139.8 kph, on a good length, on off, Inglis gets hurried but manages to get his bat in the line of the ball and block it out.

Hasnain begins from over the wicket, on a back of a length, on off and middle, Josh Inglis hops to defend it back to the bowler.

First change in bowling for Pakistan as Mohammad Hasnain is introduced into the attack.

Full and wide on off, Steven Smith leans on it and creams the drive. The cover fielder dives to his right and takes the sting out of the ball. The ball rolls behind for a couple of runs.

Angling away from the right-hander, on a length, Steven Smith makes a watchful leave.

Fuller and at the stumps, Steven Smith goes on the back foot and gets his bat out in front of the pads to defend it out on the off side.

Going across the batter, on a short of a length, Steven Smith hangs back and stabs it down the deck.

A touch fuller and a hint of inward shape, on middle and leg, Inglis clips it in front of mid-wicket and takes a quick single.

Dishes it out on a hard length, on middle, Josh Inglis nudges it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

On the pads, on a length, Inglis tickles it down to deep fine leg and picks up one.

Much better from Naseem! Attacking the stumps, on a good length, Inglis tries to work it away on the leg side with the angle but closes the bat face early. Gets a soft leading edge that rolls to the left of the bowler.

FOUR! Width on offer and Inglis cashes in! Shaping away, short and wide on off, Josh Inglis reaches out and hits it all along the ground. Cuts it to the left of cover for a boundary.

Hurls it on a length, around off, Josh Inglis gets a good stride in and punches it to cover.

WIDE! Drifts it down leg, on a good length, Josh Inglis misses the tickle. Wide given.

Play and a miss! A bit of extra bounce and this zips off the deck, on a back of a length, Josh Inglis arches back to flay it away on the off side but misses. An optimistic shout for caught behind from Naseem but he found no interest from the men behind the bat.

Delivers it on a length, just outside the off stump, Josh Inglis presses forward and blocks it out.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Afridi, on a back of a length, at the hips, Steven Smith gets inside the line nice and early and helps it down to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Angling away, on off, on a nagging length, Josh Inglis gets squared up slightly but does well to open the bat face and steer it down to deep third. Gets off the mark with a single.

Hurls it on a length, on off, a hint of late inward movement, Steven Smith shows the full face of the bat and pushes it to the right of mid off for a single.

This comes back in off the deck, on a back of a length, on middle, Steven Smith gets on top of it and tucks it right in between the two fielders stationed close at square leg. Smith comes back for the second run with ease.

This skids off the deck, on a back of a length, on off, Steven Smith goes on the back foot to defend it with a straight bat but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the back pad.

An absolute snorter from Afridi! Bends his back and digs it in short and over middle and leg, the ball kicks off the deck a bit more and Steven Smith is hurried as he looks to stick his bat ahead and keep it out. The ball goes off the shoulder and lands safe on the off side.

Josh Inglis walks out to bat at number 4 for Australia!

OUT! TAKEN! Naseem Shah roars in delight! Jake Fraser-McGurk runs out of luck and Pakistan have managed to send both openers back in the hut early. Naseem lands it on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Jake Fraser-McGurk hangs back and shapes up to go across the line. The ball gets big on him and hits the splice of the bat. It balloons towards wide mid on where Irfan Khan takes a dolly.

Full and on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks for a big swing but gets a thick outside edge that flies over backward point for a couple of runs.

Honing in at the pads, on a back of a length, Steven Smith gets on his toes and gets inside the line to nudge it through square leg. Two fielders give it a chas and cut it off. Three runs taken.

WIDE! Naseem bends his back and digs it in short but this sails over the batter's head for a wide.

This is on a short of a length, on off, Smith keeps it out on the leg side.

A big mix-up but no harm done! Naseem bangs it on a back of a length, on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk awkwardly pulls it with the ball stopping in the surface. Miscues the pull but it lands safely in the vacant square leg region. JFM wants to come back for the second and is halfway down the track when Smith sends him back. He is struggling to make his ground as Babar fires in a throw towards the bowling end. Luckily for him, the ball plugs a bit in the outfield and pops out, resulting in all the pace coming off the ball and it balloons towards the bowler. This allows JFM to get back in with a dive.

In and around the off-stump line, angling in from over the wicket, on a nagging length, at 136.9 kph, Jake Fraser-McGurk punches it to mid on.

Shaping back into the right-hander, on a hard length, Steven Smith hops and goes deep in his crease to keep it out. End of a successful over for Afridi and Pakistan!

This leaves the batter and it is on the fuller side, Steven Smith makes the leave.

Afridi digs it in short, at the batter, Steven Smith rides the bounce and helps the pull to the left of deep backward square leg. Gets off the mark with a brace.

Attacks the stumps, on a good length does Afridi, Steven Smith covers the line and tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Steven Smith walks in at number 3 for Australia!

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Fine catch by Saim Ayub! Shaheen Afridi gives Pakistan the early breakthrough. Afridi bashes the back of a length, on off, Matthew Short goes for the pull but fails to get on top of the bounce and tries to drag it away on the leg side. Gets a top edge that goes straight up towards backward point. The keeper, the deep third fielder and Saim Ayub from backward point converge with Ayub turning around, trying to settle under it from the mentioned position. He calls for it and takes a safe catch.

Not in control but JFM gets away with it! Angling across the batter, near the tramline on off, on a length, Jake Fraser-McGurk stays rooted in the crease and flays at the delivery. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies down to deep third. Collected on the bounce by Naseem in the deep. They cross.

A tighter line, on off and middle, on a hard length, Jake Fraser-McGurk dabs it down in front of mid-wicket and gets to the other end quickly. An expensive first over from Naseem. 14 runs off it.

FOUR LEG BYES! A bit too straight from Naseem, on a nagging length, on the pads, Jake Fraser-McGurk tries to help it away but misses. The ball comes off his pads and races down to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Not the cleanest connection but JFM will take it! Fuller and on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk holds his shape and swipes across the line. Gets enough bat on it to clear mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.

WIDE! On a back of a length but down leg, Jake Fraser-McGurk swings to heave it away but misses. Wide given.

Slanting in again, on a length, on middle and leg, Jake Fraser-McGurk chips it up and over wide mid on for a couple of runs more.

Angling in, on a good length, on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk defends it out solidly.

In the air...but safe! A real teaser for Babar Azam at mid off. Naseem serves it on a length, on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks to go back over the bowler's head but goes through his shot a bit early. Gets more height than distance on it and it goes very high towards mid off. Babar Azam turns around and goes after it. Gives it a good chase but the replays show that he almost overran the ball and it landed over his left shoulder. A couple of runs taken.

It will be Naseem Shah to share the attack from the other end!

Afridi drags the length back and gets the ball to move back into the right-hander, on a back of a length, Matthew Short sets himself up to heave it away but fails to get any bat on it. The ball goes under his bat and hits him high on the thigh pad.

Angles one across the batter now, on a length, Jake Fraser-McGurk drops it with soft hands in front of cover and takes a quick single.

Shaheen Afridi goes full in search of swing but gets the line slightly wrong, serves it on the pads, Jake Fraser-McGurk clips it through square leg. Naseem Shah runs and slides to his left from deep backward square leg to mop it up. A couple of runs for JFM to open his account.

Shaping back into the right-hander, on the fuller side, Jake Fraser-McGurk goes deep in his crease and presents a straight bat to push it to mid off.

Sprayed on the pads, on a length, Matthew Short glances it down to deep backward square leg for a single. Short and Australia are underway!

A hint of inward shape first up for Shaheen as he steams in from over the wicket. Lands it on a good length, on middle and leg, Matthew Short wrists it to mid-wicket.

OUT! TAKEN! Pat Cummins brings an end to the entertainment from Nasseem! Cummins hurls it full and angles it in, on off, Naseem presents a straight bat to go down the ground. Does not commit to the shot completely and just checks his shot. Fails to keep it along the ground and hits it flat and straight down the throat of mid off where Mitchell Starc takes it safely near his chest. Naseem goes for 40 (39). Pakistan have been bowled out for 203 with 20 balls left unused in the innings.

A sharp and quick bumper, on off, Naseem takes his eyes off the ball very early. The ball hits him on the glove and luckily for him, it does not lob up. It drops down on the off side.

Takes pace off does Cummins, on a length, around off, Naseem looks to glide it down to deep third but misses.

Short of a length, around off, Mohammad Hasnain steers it past backward point for a single.

SIX! BANG! Launched down the ground! Zampa taken to the cleaners by Naseem and the Pakistan fans at the 'G' are loving it. Zampa gives the ball air and keeps it full, at the stumps, Naseem Shah gets down the track in a flash and thumps it back over the bowler's head. Clears the long on fence with ease for a six. 18 runs off the over. The 200 comes up for Pakistan.

FOUR! Good shot! Zampa serves it near the tramline on off, on a fuller length, Naseem is made to reach out. He goes inside out over cover and picks up a boundary.

Shorter and quicker, on off, Naseem dabs it with soft hands towards short third.

SIX! Instant impact with the new bat for Naseem! Zampa floats it up and tries to keep it away from the reach of the batter, Naseem gets down the track and reaches out. Swipes it up and over wide long on for a six.

Fuller and at the stumps, Hasnain sweeps it through square leg for a run.

Tossed up, turning away, on off, Naseem looks to go back over the bowler's head but the ball spins further away from him. Gets it off the toe end of the bat and chips it over the bowler for a single. Naseem has damaged the toe end of the bat and will need another replacement.

This is quicker and shorter, on off, Mohammad Hasnain fiddles at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Fired in quicker and fuller, in middle and leg, Naseem Shah tucks it to deep square leg and takes the single.

Sees the batter stepping out does Maxwell and he pulls the length back, on off, Naseem dabs it down on the leg side.

Short and around off, Naseem punches it to backward point.

Drops it short now, on off, Naseem defends it from the crease.

Fired in, full and on the pads, Naseem flicks it to deep square leg but does not take the run.

A loud shout for LBW but that looks to be going down leg! Josh Inglis and Adam Zampa do not look interested in sending it upstairs but Pat Cummins has taken the review. Drifting in, full and on middle, Hasnain looks to defend it with a straight bat but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on the front pad. No bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be missing the leg stump.

Mohammad Hasnain is the last man in.

OUT! TIMBER! Adam Zampa gets his second and Pakistan lose their 9th! Zampa lands it nice and full, on middle and leg and gets the ball to shape back in just a touch, Haris Rauf skips down the pitch and looks for a glory shot but misses on all ends. The ball goes through the huge gap between the bat and pad to rattle the top of leg stump. An unnecessary shot and Australia inch closer to rolling Pakistan over!

Shorter and on middle and leg, Haris Rauf reads it well and pats it back to the bowler.

Short and on middle, Naseem Shah waits for the ball and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Full, on off, Naseem Shah leans ahead and blocks it out.

Short and on leg, Naseem Shah doesn't move an inch and looks to tuck it across. Misses and gets clipped high on the front pad.

Slows it up and floats it full, on off, Haris Rauf gets a big stride in and pushes it to mid off.

Short and on off, quicker as well, Naseem Shah opens the bat face and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Change of bat for Naseem. We are all good to go now.

SIX! Naseem Shah gets enough bat on it! Floated up by Maxwell, full and on off, Naseem skips down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Gets more height than distance but enough on it to clear long on for a six.

Keeps it flat and short, on off and middle, defended with a straight bat by Naseem.

Pushed through, shorter and quicker, on off, Naseem punches it to cover.

Haris Rauf is the new man in.

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh dear, what an unfortunate way to get out on debut! After a decent knock under pressure, Irfan Khan has to trudge back! Glenn Maxwell bowls this short and on off, Irfan Khan looks to reverse sweep and miscues it straight in front of backward point. He sets off for the run but slips and splits just after a couple of strides. He gets back up and charges through to complete the run but Matthew Short is quick to throw the ball back to Glenn Maxwell who knocks the bails off. The third umpire is brought in to check and Irfan Khan is short of the crease at the bowling end. Moreover, Irfan tried to plonk his bat in rather than making an effort to slide it in. Wonder if sliding the bat in could have helped him there.

Is Irfan short of his crease? Glenn Maxwell and Australia think so. Yes, the replays confirm that Irfan was short of his crease when Maxwell took the bails off.

Glenn Maxwell comes back into the attack.

Bowls it nice and straight, on middle, Naseem Shah looks to tuck it across but closely the bat face early. luckily for him, he does so with soft hands and the ball chops off the outside edge and falls down the deck.

Short of a length, on off, Irfan Khan swats it to deep cover for a single.

Bends his back and digs it very short, over middle with not much pace on the ball. Probably rolled his finger over the ball as well, Irfan Khan sways away and ducks under very late.

Takes pace off and keeps it shorter and on off, Naseem Shah yet again hangs back and steers it to deep third for a single.

Short and over off, Irfan Khan stays rooted in the crease and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Angles it in, on middle and leg, Irfan Khan steps down the track and looks for a big swipe across the line but plays down the wrong line. The ball clips him high on the thigh pad and rolls over the stumps to the keeper.

Hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, over middle and off, Naseem Shah hops back and dabs it out in front of point.

Keeps it wider on off, on a back of a length and pace off, Naseem Shah glides it late but straight to short third.

Short and over off, Irfan Khan rides the bounce and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Bangs the deck hard, over middle, with the angle coming in, Irfan Khan taps it to cover.

On a length, outside off with good pace behind the delivery, Naseem Shah waits back and steers it to deep third for a single.

Short of a length, over off, Irfan Khan stands tall and cuts it in front of deep point for a single.

Banged in short, on off, comes into the body towards the batter, Naseem ducks, takes his eyes off and lets it go. With this, the 2nd Powerplay has come to an end!

On a shortish length, on middle, Irfan pulls it through square leg and gets to the other end.

WIDE! This is sprayed down leg, on a back of a length, slower as well, Irfan Khan is early on the pull and fails to get any bat on it.

Full and onto the stumps, Irfan is right behind it to block it off.

Oh, that could have been trouble for Naseem! Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Naseem nudges it in front of mid-wicket and sets off for the run. Jake Fraser-McGurk swoops in, turns around and has a shy at the bowling end but misses.

On a back of a length, on middle and off, Naseem Shah sticks his bat low and pushes it to cover.

SIX! Naseem Shah makes the Free Hit count! Abbott takes pace off and goes into the wicket, Naseem drags it from outside off and nails the pull over the deep mid-wicket fence for a six. First six in ODI cricket for Naseem.

NO BALL! In and around the off-stump line, on a length, Naseem dabs it down in front of backward point. Abbott has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

FOUR! Short and punished! Cummins tries to bang it into the deck but fails to get it high enough to trouble the batter. Irfan stands tall and pulls it up and over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Pitched up, on off, Irfan knocks it down to mid off.

Banged in short from outside off, comes into the body off the wicket, Naseem rises with the ball to guide it towards deep third for a single.

Cummins digs it in short, at the ribcage of the batter, Irfan is late on the pull and gets tucked up for room. Bunts it to the right of square leg for a single.

Play and a miss from Irfan. On length, outside off, on the fifth stump, the batter flashes at it to hit it towards cover. Misses by a long margin and it goes through to the keeper.

Cummins brings himself back into the attack and starts with a slip and a short leg in place. Angling in, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Shah awkwardly fends it behind square on the leg side and gets to the other end.

Tossed up, full and on middle, driven firmly to long off for a single.

Slows the pace down and drags the length back, short and on off, Shah punches it to cover.

This goes straight on, on a nagging length, on off, Naseem defends inside the line of the ball. Gets an outside edge that goes wide of short third for a couple of runs.

Short and on middle, Naseem Shah slaps it to cover.

Zampa floats it up, full and on off, Naseem presses forward to block it out.

Flat and short, on off, Irfan punches it wide of cover for a single.

Comes in from around the wicket to Naseem, fires it full and onto middle, Naseem manages to get his bat down in time and the ball trickles away towards point. Starc ends with figures of 10-3-33-3.

Dug in short by Starc, on off and middle, Naseem Shah ducks and lets it go.

Naseem Shah walks out to bat at number 9 for Pakistan!

OUT! CASTLED! The fun is over for Afridi! Starc stays over the wicket and hurls it full and straight, at the stumps, Shaheen Afridi stays leg side of the ball and swings for the hills. Heaves across the line but fails to lay any bat on it. The ball goes past the bat and crashes into the stumps. Starc has a big smile on his face. Third wicket for the game for the left-arm speedster.

On a shorter length, on middle, Shaheen Afridi fails to tuck it across and gets hit high on the thigh pad.

Nice change up there by Starc. Shorter and slower, banged into the body, Afridi is in two minds, trying to duck underneath or letting it through. Finally decides to let it through to the keeper.

FOUR! Afridi is enjoying himself out there! Banged in short, on off, Afridi stands tall and flat bats it over mid off for a boundary.

Floated up, full and around off, Afridi swipes it out to wide long on for a single. A good over for Pakistan. 14 runs off it.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! Zampa offers flight, full and on off, Afridi skips down the track and drills it to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Zampa pulls the length back and bowls it flatter, on middle, Afridi shapes up to go big on the leg side but adjusts well and dabs it down on the off side.

Mark Howard informs that Australia have received their first warning for failing to start the over within the stipulated 60 seconds.

SIX! Afridi goes big! Loopy delivery from Zampa, on a length, on middle and leg, Shaheen Afridi skips down the track and gets slightly deceived in the flight. Still manages to take it on the full and lofts it over wide long on for a six.

So nearly sneaked through! Fired in, flatter and shorter, on middle, Afridi hurriedly brings his bat in the line of the ball. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps and rolls towards deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Looped up, full and on off, Irfan steps out and drives it back to the bowler. Zampa fails to make a clean stop to his left. The ball gets parried behind for a single.

Swing and a miss from Afridi there. Banged in short and wide, outside off from over the wicket, Afridi takes a swing at it and misses by a long margin and through to the keeper.

A well-directed bumper from Starc, at the left shoulder of the batter, Shaheen Afridi thinks about taking the short ball on but then decides to drop his wrist and sway away from the line of the ball.

Stays around the wicket does Starc, banged in short, into the body, Irfan pulls it towards mid wicket for a single.

From around the wicket now with a short leg in place, Starc nails a full delivery, on off, Irfan digs it out on the off side.

This is bowled full and outside off, going across. Irfan tries to reach for it but to no avail and it goes through to the keeper.

Starc goes searching for the yorker as he steams in from over the wicket. Ends up bowling a low full toss, at the pads, Shaheen clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Drops it short and keeps it flat, on off, Irfan hangs back and punches it to cover.

FOUR! Irfan sweeps and sweeps well! Another one from Zampa that is quicker through the air, fuller as well, Irfan gets down and sweeps it to the left of backward square leg for a boundary.

Fuller and quicker, on middle, Irfan knocks it down the ground but Cummins from mid-wicket gets across to his left and slides to prevent the single.

Pushed through, flatter and shorter, around off, Irfan Khan stays on the back foot to play it square of the wicket on the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge.

The googly comes out, full and around off, Irfan Khan lunges and picks the googly as he blocks it out.

Nicely tossed up, full and at the stumps, Irfan Khan checks his shot and pushes it to a straightish mid-wicket.

FOUR! Hit with real authority! Hardie comes from around the wicket and slants it in, on a length, on off, Shaheen Afridi swings through the line and tonks it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Hardie digs it in short, over middle, Shaheen Afridi ducks and lets it go.

Coming from around the wicket this time, on length, goes straight on, Afridi stands tall and knocks it to mid off.

On a nagging length, on middle and leg, Afridi clears his front leg and lofts it over mid on. Does not quite get hold of it but gets enough bat on it to clear mid on for a couple of runs.

Just back of a length this one, on middle, going across Afridi, he stands tall inside his crease to tap it towards cover.

On a back of a length, on off, Irfan steers it down to deep third for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Shaheen Afridi defends it down.

Pushed across the batter, short and around off, Shaheen pushes at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Drinks has been called for! Australia have tightened the screws expertly, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order to seize firm control of the game. The crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan has swung the momentum even further in their favour, and they’ll now be eager to mop up the tail quickly. For Pakistan, it's been a challenging innings, with wickets falling just as they seemed to be finding stability. All hopes now rest on Irfan Khan to push the total forward and give the bowlers something to defend. With that Shaheen Afridi walks out to bat next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Would you believe it? Marnus Labuschagne gets the big wicket of Rizwan. An inspired bowling change from Cummins. A body blow to Pakistan. Marnus slows it down a bit and drags the length back, on off, Rizwan reaches out in front again and tries to play the paddle sweep this time. Takes the risk of playing against the turn and he fails to control the shot. Gets a top edge that loops up behind to the left of the keeper. Josh Inglis is alert to where the ball is and runs to his left to snaffle it with ease. Rizwan goes for 44 (71). Pakistan are now 117/6 after 31.4 overs.

FOUR! Nicely done! Marnus tosses it up again, full and on off, Rizwan reaches out in front and rolls his wrists on the ball and sweeps it hard and to the left of backward square leg for a boundary.

Loopy delivery, full and around off, Rizwan takes it on the full and brooms it to the man at backward square leg.

Marnus starts off short and wide on off, Irfan Khan makes room and hits it with the turn to deep cover for a single.

Marnus Labuschagne is introduced into the attack now.

Hurls it full now does Hardie, on off, Rizwan shows the full face of the bat and drives it firmly back to the bowler.

Slanting into the right-hander, on a good length, Rizwan tucks it off his pads to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Up and over! Hardie lands it full and straight, at the stumps, Rizwan stays leg side of the ball and shimmies down the track. The bat turns in his hand but he manages to clear mid on comfortably for a boundary.

A hint of nibble away from the batter, on a good length, Rizwan keeps it out with a straight bat.

Angling in, on a nagging length, on middle, Rizwan nudges it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Play and a miss! Hardie serves it on a length, outside off, Rizwan is lured into the drive and goes after it well away from his body. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short and on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan hops back making room for himself and punches it to long on for a single.

Quicker and fuller, at the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan drives it back to the bowler.

Nagging length, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it to mid-wicket to his left.

A bit short and on middle, Irfan Khan punches it to long on for a single.

Full, on middle, Irfan Khan pats it back to the bowler.

Comes into the attack and lands it full, on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to square leg for a single.

A loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire turns it down. After a chat, Pat Cummins decides not to review it. This is short and angling in on leg, Irfan Khan looks to help it on its way but misses. The ball passes close to the glove on the way to the keeper, Josh Inglis! The Ultra Edge shows no spike and the decision to not send it upstairs turns out to be the right one.

On a good length, over middle and off, Irfan Khan pushes it back to the bowler after covering the line well.

Short and on middle, Irfan Khan mistimes his pull but hits it down the ground to mid-wicket.

Angling in, on a length, into the hips, Irfan Khan tucks it to short mid-wicket.

On a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan punches it to long on for a single.

Bends his back and keeps it short, on off, Irfan Khan rides the bounce and slaps it to deep point for a single.

Fired in full, on off, Irfan Khan squeezes it to deep cover for a single to get off the mark on his ODI debut.

Fuller than a good length, on middle and off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to long on for a single.

Slower and shorter on middle, Mohammad Rizwan works it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

Full, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Pitched up, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it back to the bowler.

A stifled appeal for LBW but that was way down leg. Short starts with a full one, on leg, Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep but misses onto his pads.

Irfan Khan, on ODI debut, comes out to bat. Matthew Short has been handed the ball now.

OUT! CAUGHT! The short ball ploy works wonders for Sean Abbott and Australia! Pakistan lose half their side for just 101 runs! Abbott digs it in short and puts some extra effort to get it into the surface on middle and leg, Salman Agha is late on his pull and gets it off the upper half of the bat. The ball lobs towards Matthew Short at square leg who times his jump well and grabs the ball with both hands over his head. Sean Abbott joins the wicket tally and Pakistan are in deep trouble now.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Agha defends it right under his eyes.

On a back of a length, on off, Rizwan flat bats it down to long on for a single.

Back of a length, on middle and off, Salman Agha steers it to deep third for a single. This also brings up the 100 runs for Pakistan!

WIDE! A bit too short over middle, Salman Agha ducks and leaves it alone.

In the air, but lands safely. This is short and on middle, Rizwan steps out and looks to pull but skews it off the outer half and high in front of deep fine to his right. Josh Inglis swivels around and charges towards the ball while Starc from the deep come in too. Both look at each other and none go for the catch. The ball lands between them. A single taken.

On a good length, over off, Mohammad Rizwan hops back and taps it to mid on.

Full, on off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it to long off for a single.

Pitched up again, just around off, Salman Agha executes the sweep shot again but gets it finer this time. Hits it to short fine and gets a single.

FOUR! Great shot and perfectly executed! Tossed right up, on off, Salman Agha sweeps it from well ahead and keeps it all along the ground behind square on the leg side.

Full, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it around in front of square leg and gets a single. This is really smart batting between these two!

Short and on middle, Salman Agha works it across to mid-wicket for a single.

Full, on off, Salman Agha reverse sweeps it on the full but cant beat short third.

SIX! That's huge! What a shot from the skipper! Mitchell Starc digs it in short and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan knew this was coming and crouches low before picking up the length to perfection and dispatches it over deep backward square leg for a biggie.

Full, on off, Mohammad Rizwan with a soft bottom hand blocks it back to the bowler.

Short and on leg, Salman Agha tucks it to the mid-wicket region and gets a quick single.

On a length, over middle, Salman Agha holds his shape and tucks it to backward point.

Short of a length, over middle, Mohammad Rizwan lifts his front leg up and hooks it to deep square leg for a single.

Starc is back on the park and here he is! Angles it away, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to cut but misses.

Great running! Full and on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan with very soft hands lunges out and clips it to the on side and scampers across for a quick single.

Full, on middle, Salman Agha nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Looped full, on leg, Salman Agha taps it to mid on and sets himself off for a single. Matthew Short dives to his left and throws the ball back rolling around and Mohammad Rizwan sends his partner from more than halfway down the deck. Luckily the throw wasn't accurate and Salman Agha gets back with ease.

Full, on off, Salman Agha eases it out to cover.

Slower and fuller, on off, Salman Agha premeditates and scoops it from well in front behind to fine leg for a brace.

Mitchell Starc is off the field for the moment. He is seen sipping on some pickle juice.

Pitched up, on middle and off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it to long off for a single.

Comes back into the attack and gets a maiden straightaway does Starc! On a back of a length, over middle, Salman Agha rides the bounce well and tucks it down to the leg side. Mitchell Starc seems to have pulled a cramp on his thigh!

Back of a length, over off, Salman Agha hops back and with an opened bat face dabs it to backward point.

Goes back to the fuller-length delivery on middle and off, Salman Agha drives it right of the middle of the bat but straight to mid off.

Pulls the length down and bangs it into the deck, over middle, Salman Agha ducks under.

Continues to keep it full, on middle and leg, Salman Agha flicks it off his pads but can't beat the fielder at mid-wicket.

Comes back into the attack and lands it on a fuller length, on middle, Salman Agha drives it well but straight to mid on.

Bowls it nice and full, on middle and leg, cramping Rizwan for any room. He knocks it back to the bowler off the outer half of the bat.

Full and on middle, Salman Agha wrists it to long on for a single.

Pitched up, on off, Mohammad Rizwan lunges out and pushes it to long off for a single.

Looped up, on off, Mohammad Rizwan clears his front leg out and slogs it aerially over mid-wicket. The fielder from deep square leg moves across and mops it up keeping it down to two.

Slows it up and keeps it fuller, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to point.

Short and on off, Mohammad Rizwan jabs it out to cover.

Angling in, on a back of a length, over off, Salman Agha hops on and dabs it to slip. Another probing over from the Aussie skipper comes to an end! Just a single off it.

Keeps it short and angles it in, over middle and leg, Salman Agha ducks underneath and lets it go through.

On a length, just outside off, Salman Agha firms his drive to cover.

Bashes the deck hard, shorter and with the angle coming in, on middle and off, Salman Agha hops back and tucks it down the deck.

Short and over middle, Mohammad Rizwan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan swipes it off the upper half of the bat just in front of mid on.

Drifting in, full and on middle, Agha clips it off the pads to mid-wicket.

A bit of air on this one, fuller and on off, Agha blocks it out off the front foot.

On a nagging length, on off, Agha stays on the back foot and defends it well.

Fuller and quicker, on off, Agha presses forward to defend.

Dishes out the googly, fuller in length, Agha lunges and defends it out on the leg side.

This is flat and short, on off, Rizwan slaps it down the ground to long off for a single.

The deputy skipper, Salman Agha, now joins captain Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, with Pakistan in a precarious situation.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! An absolute snorter from Pat Cummins! Pakistan lose wickets off successive overs and they are in a spot of bother here. Cummins stays over the wicket and slips in a sharp and quick bumper, at the right shoulder of the batter. Ghulam looks to fend it down off the back foot but the ball keeps coming at him and climbs onto him. It brushes the glove and goes behind to the keeper, Josh Inglis who does the rest.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Ghulam defends it out with a straight bat. 'Wait on' is the call from Kamran.

Pat serves it on a back of a length, on off, Kamran shapes up to pull it in front of square. Ends up hitting it a lot straighter. It goes on the bounce to mid on.

Angling in, on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Rizwan squeezes it out to the left of mid on for a run.

This is on a back of a length again, on off, Kamran lets the ball come to him and glides it to the left of backward point for a run.

Cummins bangs it in on a back of a length, on off, Rizwan hops and rides the bounce to cut it square of the wicket on the off side for a run.

FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! Zampa tosses it up, full and at the stumps, Kamran Ghulam skips down the track in a flash and gets to the pitch of the ball. Drills it past the diving mid off fielder to his right. Gets off the mark with a boundary.

Floated up, on off, Kamran firms the drive but picks out the man at cover.

Kamran Ghulam walks out to bat at number 5 for Pakistan!

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Instant impact for Adam Zampa! An error in judgment from Babar and he pays the price! Another one from Zampa that is pushed through but this is on the fuller side, on off, Azam goes on the back foot to a delivery he should have been on the front foot. The ball stays a bit low and skids off the deck. It goes under the vertical bat of Babar and clatters into the off stump. Babar goes for 37 (44). The 39-run stand is broken. Pakistan are now 63/3.

Pushes it through, on a nagging length, on middle, Azam tucks it off the back foot on the leg side.

Slower and shorter, on middle, Babar pushes it to the left of a straightish mid-wicket where Short is quick to make the stop.

Zampa starts with a loopy delivery, full and on off, Rizwan knocks it down to long off and crosses over.

First sign of spin for the day as Adam Zampa is introduced into the attack.

In and around the off-stump line, on a short of a length, Rizwan steers it along the ground to deep third for a run.

Cummins looks to go full but ends up serving a thigh-high full toss, on middle, Rizwan is caught by surprise but manages to keep it out with a straight bat.

Cummins bangs it into the deck, on off and middle, Azam jabs it to the right of mid-wicket and takes a single.

Another delivery on a hard length, on middle, Babar gets on his toes and tucks it to mid-wicket.

On a hard length, on off, Babar plays it late and tries to dab it wide of backward point but fails to get it wide enough to take the single.

Cummins starts off full and on off, Rizwan gets his bat out in front and knocks it to the left of mid on for a single.

Mitchell Starc is in for a chat during the break. He says that they have got a nice start and it was good to get a couple of wickets in the first Powerplay. Shares that the wicket is a bit two-paced but is still a nice wicket and they will aim to take a few more wickets to make it hard.

DRINKS! Australia have managed to keep things tight, reaping the rewards by dismissing both openers early on. However, with Babar Azam looking in fine form at the crease, they’ll be keen to break this developing partnership before it can settle any further. The ground fielding, though, hasn't been up to the mark and it’s bound to be a point of discussion during this break. For Pakistan, much now rests on this reliable pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have so often taken on the responsibility of building a solid partnership and steering their team out of early trouble.

FOUR! Flayed away! Abbott errs as this is short and wide on off, Babar is allowed to free his arms and he accepts the invitation. Cuts it up and over backward point for a boundary.

Abbott bashes the hard length, outside off, Rizwan drags the pull all along the ground to deep square leg for a run.

Delivers it on a good length, on off, Babar brings his wrists into play and works it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Lands it on a length, on off, Babar lets the ball come to him and stabs it down on the off side.

WIDE! Abbott digs it in short but this is a bit too short. Babar gets on his toes to fetch the pull from over his head but misses. The ball goes over the batter's head for a wide.

Nice and full, on off, Babar plays it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Abbott sprays it on the pads, on a length, Rizwan flicks it through square leg and gets to the other end.

This is on a hard length, on off, Babar stands tall and guides it to backward point.

Hurls it full and on off, Rizwan firms the drive to the left of mid on where Cummins dives and keeps it down to save at least a couple of runs for his side. They cross.

Rizwan is really struggling to rotate the strike! Angling in, on a length, on off, Rizwan opens the bat face and steers it to the right of backward point and sets off for the run but Smith is quick to get across and deny him the run.

Pitched up by Hardie, on off, Rizwan looks to drill it back past the bowler. Hardie sticks out his left hand in his follow through and makes the stop.

Attacking the off stump, on a fuller length, Rizwan presents a full face of the bat and keeps it out on the off side.

Hardie dishes it out on a hard length, on off, Babar arches back and gets on top of the bounce. Cuts it late and to the left of backward point. The 50 comes up for Pakistan with this single!

On a short of a length, on off and middle, Babar nudges it between mid-wicket and mid on and calls Rizwan through for a quick single.

Short and wide on off, Rizwan cuts it all along the ground to deep point for a run.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a good length, Rizwan dabs it down on the off side.

Keeps it outside off, on a length, Rizwan is happy to leave that alone. This nips back in after going past the stumps and Inglis does well to take it low to his left.

In the channel on off, on a good length, left alone by Rizwan.

Abbott lands it on a length, on off, Rizwan plays it in front of his body as he pushes it to cover.

Attacking the front pad, on a fuller length, Babar clips it off his pads but straight to mid-wicket. Three dots in a row to close out the over!

In the corridor on off, on a good length, Babar glides it with an open bat face towards backward point.

Hurls it on a good length, on off, Babar is tentative to come on the front foot as he looks to defend it out. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Good running! Very full, at the toes, Babar flicks it off his toes to the left of deep fine leg. Starc picks it up and fires in a throw at the bowling end where Rizwan puts in a dive and makes it comfortably. Two runs taken.

Beaten! A hint of away shape, at 132.7 kph, on a fuller length, Babar pushes at the delivery away from his body. He is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Hardie comes into the attack and begins on a length, on off, Babar Azam lunges and taps it to cover.

A bit too full, on middle, Babar Azam flicks it to deep square leg and gets a single. He wanted to go back for the second but is rightly denied by Mohammad Rizwan!

Full and on off, Babar Azam with soft hands pushes it back to the bowler.

Abbott serves it on a length, around off, Babar Azam defends it out on the off side.

Fuller and on off, Babar presses forward and mistimes the drive to mid off.

A confident shout for caught behind but turned down! Sean Abbott did not even bother appealing and began to celebrate but even after showing that much conviction, Australia do not take the review. This is in the channel on off, on a length, Babar fiddles at the delivery away from his body. The ball moves away off the deck slightly to go past the outside edge. The UltraEdge comes up with no spike when the ball is next to the bat.

Misfield! Sean serves it on a length, on off, Rizwan stays rooted to the crease and pushes it in front of mid off where Marnus lets it through his legs and concedes a single. Quite a few lapses in the ground fielding so far from Australia which is pretty uncharacteristic of them.

This is on a good length, on off, Babar Azam defends it solidly right under his eyes.

FOUR! Top shot! Starc dishes it out on a back of a length, over middle, Babar gets on top of the bounce and jabs it in front of square on the leg side. Beats the diving deep square leg fielder to his left for a boundary.

In and around the off-stump line, on a short of a length, Rizwan stays back and guides it to the right of second slip for a run.

Starc drags the length back and offers a bit of width on off, Azam drives it on the up to deep point and gets to the other end.

Fuller and going across the batter, Rizwan lunges and drives it to the left of mid off for a run.

On a back of a length, on of, Babar Azam hangs back and steers it down to deep third for a single.

End of Powerplay 1! Australia can now have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the 40th over.

Pitched up, right at the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan flicks it out to mid on.

Fuller than a good length, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to mid off.

Good length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan is happy to leave it alone.

Full, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan squeezes it out through the gap between mid off and cover for a couple of runs.

On a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to cover.

Mohammad Rizwan gets very lucky on that one! Sean Abbott starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a fuller length, outside off, Babar Azam drives it to mid off and sets off for the run. There's a slight mixup midway and Mohammad Rizwan half stops and then goes through for the run. Josh Inglis collects the throw and takes the bails off at the batting end where a desperate dive from Rizwan saves him by the barest of margins.

Sean Abbott comes into the attack as the first change.

A touch closer to the off-stump, on a fuller length, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to mid off. Maiden over from Mitchell Starc!

Angling across, on a length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan hops back and leaves it alone.

Short of a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to let it go past very late and gets it off the glove rolling back to the keeper.

On a length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan misses out and plays inside the line.

Great effort from Marnus Labuschagne at cover! Mitchell Starc errs in line and offers a lot of width outside off, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan hangs back and with an extended arm crunches it to the left of cover where Marnus stretches out and makes a good stop.

Good length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to mid off.

FOUR! Another beautiful shot to end the over! Every time Pat Cummins goes full, Babar Azam capitalizes! This is pitched up, on off, Babar Azam drives it to the right of mid off and gets another boundary under his name.

Surprises the batter with a bouncer, directed over middle, Babar Azam ducks under and lets it go through.

Nicely bowled! On a hard length, in and around off, Babar Azam looks to tuck it across and the bat turns in his hand. The ball rolls off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Continues to hit the good length and on off, Babar Azam squeezes it out to backward point.

Length, on off, Babar Azam hits it to mid off.

FOUR! Nicely done! That will give Babar Azam a lot of confidence and Pakistan will need him to go on! Full and on middle and leg, Babar Azam just times his flick to perfection and beats the fielder at mid on to his right.

Short and angled away, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone. Another solid over from Mitchell Starc comes to an end. Just the two runs and a wicket off it.

Great one to welcome the new captain into the crease! On a hard length, attacking the stumps. The ball skids through and stays a bit low off the deck. Mohammad Rizwan just about manages to get his bat down and jam it out.

The newly appointed ODI skipper, Mohammad Rizwan makes his way out to the centre.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What an unusual way to get out but Mitchell Starc and Australia will not mind one bit! Starc angles this across, on a back of a length, outside off, Abdullah Shafique seeing the line going away from him opts to sway away from the line of the ball. He is a bit lazy in getting his bat out of the way. Leaves his bat out hanging there. The ball catches a feather on the toe-end of the bat and Josh Inglis collects it comfortably to his right.

Attacks the stumps, nice and full, Abdullah Shafique covers the line completely and pushes it to cover.

Good length, on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to point.

Full and angling across, outside off, Abdullah Shafique leans on it and drives it through covers for two more runs. Runs have started to come by easily all of a sudden for these two!

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Abdullah Shafique tucks it behind square on the leg side and takes a single.

Goes full and on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it beautifully off his pads past mid on to his right and gets two runs.

Follows up with a tight line, in and around off, on a length, Abdullah Shafique gets behind the line and dabs it down the deck.

FOUR! Hit with real authority from Abdullah Shafique! Pat Cummins digs it in short, over off but not too short to trouble the right-hander. This sits up nicely for Shafique and he nails his pull wide of mid on for a boundary.

Full and on middle and leg, Babar Azam clips it off his pads in front of deep square leg and rotates the strike over.

Short of a length, on off, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it to the other side of mid off where Sean Abbott yet again fails to slide and stop it. Allows the batter to come back for two runs.

Fuller and on off, Babar Azam times his drive well to the right of mid off and Sean Abbott fails to mop it up cleanly as he dives over the ball. The ball goes past him and Babar Azam comfortably collects another three runs.

Wider on off and on a length, Babar Azam holds his bat up and lets this one go through to the keeper.

Short of a length and angling away, outside off, almost got the outside edge that Starc was looking for on this one. Babar Azam hops back and looks to slash it away but plays it well away from his body. The ball shoots off the deck and goes past the outside edge.

Length, on off, Babar Azam knocks it down to point.

A very risky run! On a length, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique taps it in front of mid on and sets off for the run. Pat Cummins collects it to his right and flicks it quickly at the bowling end but misses to hit the stumps. A direct hit and Abdullah Shafique could have been in big trouble!

Nice shot from Babar Azam! He looks in good touch already! This is pitched shorter in length and outside off, Babar Azam times his punch through cover. Glenn Maxwell dives to his left and gets a hand to it which slows the ball down. Three runs off that shot then!

A maiden over from Pat Cummins! This is angled in, on middle and off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

Lands it nicely on a length, over off, Abdullah Shafique pats it in front of cover.

Full and outside off, Abdullah Shafique looks to drive and goes at it with hard hands. Gets it off the outer half and it lands in front of backward point.

Angling in again, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique looks confident on this occasion and deadbats it down the deck.

Angles this one back in, on a good length, over middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to tuck it across but gets an inside edge back onto his thigh pad.

On a perfect length, just outside off, Abdullah Shafique plays inside the line and the ball goes past the outside edge.

Nice looking shot from Babar Azam! A bit fuller and on off, Babar Azam drives it to the left of mid off and sets off for the run. The fielder collects the ball and has a shy at the bowling end, but no one backs up the throw, allowing Babar to collect the second run.

Lands it on a good length and on middle and off, Babar Azam covers the line and pushes it back to the bowler.

Babar Azam walks in at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Starc gets rid of the debutant! This will set the perfect tone for Australia. Saim Ayub has to walk back for just 1 run. Starc hurls it on a length, just outside off, tempting the batter to push ahead and play at it. Gets the ball to nip back in a bit and it catches an inside edge that rockets back into the off stump. Pakistan are rocked early and are 3/1. Starc gets his 100th ODI wicket on home soil.

Attacks the stumps, on a hard length, Saim Ayub gets right behind and keeps it out with a straight bat.

On a good length, on off, Saim Ayub dabs it out to the off side off the back foot.

Gets a good bounce on this one does Starc! Bangs the deck, on a back of a length, outside off with some extra zip off the deck. Saim Ayub looks to cut it square on off but misses due to the extra bounce and pace behind it.

Good tight over from Cummins! 3 runs off it! Lands this on a length, over off, Abdullah Shafique opens the bat face a bit and pats it in front of point.

Good length, in and around off, Abdullah Shafique taps it back to the bowler.

Beauty from Cummins! Hits the deck on a good length, just outside off with the angle coming in. The ball straightens off the deck to whizz past the outside edge as Abdullah Shafique looks to block it with a straight bat.

Beautiful shot! A bit too full this time from Cummins, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans ahead and times his push past point for a couple of runs.

Bashes the deck hard, on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in, Abdullah Shafique looks to tuck it down the deck but gets cramped for room. Gets an inside edge onto his abdomen.

Pat Cummins comes from over the wicket and hurls it on a short of a length, on off with the angle going away from the left-hander, Saim Ayub looks to play at it with a straight bat and gets a thick outside edge down to deep third for a single. Ayub is off the mark in ODI cricket.

It will be Pat Cummins to steam in from the other end.

A maiden from Starc to start the Men's International Summer! This is nice and full, right on the money, Abdullah Shafique taps it back to the bowler with deft hands.

Brings the line straighter and attacks the stumps, on a good length, Abdullah Shafique gets his bat ahead and with a full presentation of the face, stabs it down the deck.

Good length, outside off, Abdullah Shafique sees the ball going across him and opts to shoulder arms.

A bit fuller than the previous one, with a scrambled seam, and good pace behind it as well. Abdullah Shafique stays rooted to the crease and looks to steer it behind square on the off side but misses.

Looks for the swing and goes fuller this time, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and drives it to cover.

With two slips in place, Starc steams in from over the wicket and gets the ball to nip back in straight away, on a shorter length, on middle and off, Abdullah Shafique stays right behind the line and dabs it down the deck.

Time to get going at the 'G'. It's a slightly overcast Monday afternoon in Melbourne, but importantly, the weather is expected to stay dry. Pat Cummins leads his troops out to the centre. Abdullah Shafique and the debutant, Saim Ayub, will open the innings for Pakistan. Mitchell Starc will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Australia. Two slips in place. The countdown is done. Off we go...

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub (On ODI debut), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan (On ODI debut), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (WK), Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

TOSS - Australia have won the flip of the coin and they will BOWL first.

Pakistan enter this series with a fresh sense of purpose and change. With Mohammad Rizwan stepping up as captain, the team is hopeful for the beginning of a new era, one that revives the fierce dominance Pakistan once commanded on the world stage. They’re strengthened by the return of superstar Babar Azam and pace sensation Shaheen Afridi, both eager to make a significant impact and live up to the high expectations of fans worldwide. Saim Ayub and Irfan Khan are set to debut in ODIs for the side. Pakistan's bowling attack, long a defining strength, is primed to unleash its full potential on these Australian pitches, where pace and skill are bound to shine. The stage couldn’t be more perfectly set for this clash, and we’re just moments away from the toss. Sit back and brace up for an electrifying contest!

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, may be missing key figures like Mitchell Marsh and star opener Travis Head to paternity leave, but they’re fielding a lineup full of depth and young talent eager to make an impression. This ODI series is an ideal chance for Australia to resolve a few unanswered questions in their 50-over approach, making it vital for them to nail down their best combinations. Local heroes Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short form Australia’s sixth different ODI opening pair in as many games. Although the last 5 changes were a necessary adaptation after injuries and illnesses shuffled the squad during their recent series against England. Despite the hurdles, Australia boast a formidable squad on paper, blending experience with fresh energy, making them tough to beat. But they’re up against a spirited Pakistan team determined to turn each moment into a fierce contest.

Hello and a very warm welcome to the opening ODI of this exciting 3-match series between Australia and Pakistan, marking the official start of the Australian summer of men's international cricket here at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground! Both teams have unveiled their playing XI a day in advance, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter as they fine-tune strategies with the upcoming Champions Trophy in mind. The excitement is palpable, and we’re in for a gripping start to the series!

... MATCH DAY ...

The international cricketing calendar is stacked as we head into the final two months of 2024 and it is now time for the Australian summer to kick off! Australia now welcome Pakistan for a white-ball tour which will see 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is played before the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in late November. The ODI series is up first and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the series opener and it could be an audition for individuals on both sides, especially Australia for the Champions Trophy early next year. Australia have had a month's break after their white-ball exploits in the UK and Pakistan last played a white-ball match way back in the infamous 2024 T20 World Cup campaign which means both sides will be a bit undercooked in the ODI format to begin with. Starting with team news, regular skipper Mitchell Marsh and marquee opener Travis Head are both absent due to paternity leave and Cameron Green, who was having a fantastic 2024, is recovering from an injury which opens the doors for a few fringe players. Pat Cummins will lead the side that does still feature a stacked lineup which includes the likes of Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Marcus Stoinis just to name a few. The big question is who gets an opportunity at the top and this series could well decide Head's opener partner for next year's Champions Trophy. The likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short and Cooper Connolly will all be itching to make a name for themselves. The pace attack seems well-rounded and there are a lot of options in the all-rounders' department as well with Aaron Hardie making a real name for himself and Glenn Maxwell will be looking to get back to his best as he has seen a real dip in form after that resounding ODI World Cup win in 2023. Moving on to Pakistan, they will be led by Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam who was axed for the last two Tests against England is back in the side. Just like the Aussies, Pakistan too have a stacked pace attack and they will be happy to move on from the flat pitches of Pakistan to the pace and bounce of Australia as Shaheen Afridi and co look to make their mark. Aamer Jamal had a memorable time when Pakistan last came to Australia for the Test matches about a year ago but it will be a series of finding some lost form for the likes of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. The batting lineup will once again be tested with the likes of Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam and others still finding their feet in international cricket. Young Arafat Minhas who played for Pakistan in the last Under-19 World Cup also gets a spot in the squad and it will be exciting to watch what the youngster can bring to the team. Also, both teams have announced their Playing XIs almost a day prior to the game and there are not many surprises from Australia with Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk set to open the innings. As for Pakistan, Irfan Khan will make his debut in the middle order and they have gone for four frontline pacers in Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain and Haris Rauf. All in all, Australia might be missing a few key players but still have plenty of firepower, especially in home conditions to kick things off with a win. However, a few of the Pakistan players, mostly the batters are coming off that comeback Test series win against England which should bolster their confidence and the pacers will definitely present a stern challenge to the hosts as well. It should be a cracking curtain raiser at the M.C.G. Who are you backing for the win?