Hello and welcome to our cricket coverage of the 1st ODI between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan won the toss but elected to field first. Australia overcame Pakistan by 88 runs in the first ODI of their three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Tuesday. Looking for a target of 314 runs, Pakistan was bowled out for 225 in 45.2 overs, losing by 88 runs. Despite a century by Imam-ul-Haq, the hosts were unsuccessful to secure a win during the chase and lost wickets logically.
Australia’s bowling was as practiced as their batting, one can state. They kept good pressure in Powerplay and yet when Babar and Imam were amidst a partnership, the Aussies hung in there, looking to dry off the runs and make opportunities. Mitchell Swepson’s maiden ODI wicket was of Babar Azam and that opened one finish for the touring team. The wickets started to fall over at usual intervals and Imam kept losing partners. The requisite rate started to increase pressure and then there was a concise period when Imam upped his hit rate and found some boundaries. Though soon after completing his hundred, he was cleaned by Nathan Ellis, yet another debutant and that was that for Pakistan. It’s a grand match for Adam Zampa. The leggie bowled with grand control and deviousness, mixing his lengths and speed thoughtfully and getting four wickets in the match.
Aaron Finch, the triumphant captain, says that they were looking to run wherever around 300 and finally they got it in the end. Including Travis Head got off to a shot and that helped them. Inform that Pakistan bowled well in the central overs and at the backend too. Experience that it was very tough to bowl through the wet ball but the bowlers handled it really well.
The opener smashed 103 runs off 96 balls and also hammered six fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Babar Azam also records a half-century, banging 57 off 72 balls. Adam Zampa was in excellent form and took four wickets for Australia. In advance, a century by Travis Head (101 off 72 balls) helped Australia reach 313 for seven in 50 overs, setting an aim of 314 runs. Haris Rauf and Zahid Mahmood took two wickets each for Pakistan.
Iftikhar Ahmed got the special wicket of Head who was looking in huge touch. Right then! Pakistan needed 314 runs from 50 overs to go 1-0 up in the ODI series. The playing field is a good one to bat on and Pakistan would be self-assured going into the chase. The Aussies have a couple of leggiest in their bowling hit and they would be key for Australia. We are back for the chase! The players have made their way out Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are at the crease.
That’s a wrap-up to this game. It will be an immediate turnaround for after that ODI, after a break of just one day. On Thursday, 31st March 2022, both teams will have a collision again in Lahore at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT). You can tune in early for the climax Until then, it’s goodbye and cheers!
