Pakistan secured a commanding 89-run victory over Australia in the first One-Day International of the series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday. Captain Babar Azam led from the front with a brilliant century, anchoring the innings to set a challenging target of 310 for 6 in their 50 overs.
Babar Azam's Masterclass
Babar Azam scored 114 runs off 110 balls, his 17th ODI century, which included 11 boundaries and two sixes. He found able support from opener Imam-ul-Haq, who contributed 73 runs off 87 balls, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who added a quickfire 45 not out off 38 balls. The partnership between Babar and Imam was worth 134 runs for the second wicket, laying a solid foundation for the total.
Australian Bowling Struggles
Australia's bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistani batsmen on a slow pitch. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 54, while Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa took one wicket each. The visitors had early success when they dismissed Fakhar Zaman for 12, but Babar and Imam then took control of the innings.
Shaheen Afridi's Four-Wicket Haul
In reply, Australia never got going as Shaheen Shah Afridi ripped through the top order with his pace and swing. He finished with figures of 4 for 38 in his 10 overs, dismissing David Warner (19), Marnus Labuschagne (0), Steve Smith (21), and Marcus Stoinis (12). Australia were reduced to 85 for 4 in the 20th over and never recovered.
Middle-Order Resistance
Mitchell Marsh fought a lone battle with a gritty 85 off 97 balls, but he lacked support from the other end. Alex Carey made 32, and Pat Cummins scored 27, but the required run rate kept climbing. Pakistan's spinners, particularly Shadab Khan (2 for 45) and Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 38), kept the pressure on in the middle overs. Australia were eventually bowled out for 221 in the 46th over.
Match Summary
- Pakistan: 310 for 6 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 114, Imam-ul-Haq 73; Pat Cummins 2/54)
- Australia: 221 all out in 45.3 overs (Mitchell Marsh 85; Shaheen Afridi 4/38)
The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played on Friday at the same venue. Pakistan will look to continue their dominant form, while Australia will aim to bounce back and level the series.
