What We Learned From Pakistan vs Australia First ODI

Pakistan and Australia kicked off their three-match series with a bang as the hosts managed to win the first ODI by two wickets by the narrowest of margins.

While the 204-run chase should have been a walk in the park for Pat Cummins’ men, the reality was anything but that as Glenn Maxwell’s warnings came true and Pakistan’s bowlers almost notched a famous win for their side. As the dust settled it was the Aussies who managed to get over the line to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but there is plenty left to discuss for the keen observers.

1) Pakistan is haunted by the same Ghosts:

While the ecstasy of Pakistan’s win over England papered over the cracks surrounding their batting for a while, the problems became evident from the very third over. Strac bowled Saim Ayub and the rest of the batters followed him on a track that offered bounce unlike what Pakistani batters are used to.

Abdullah Shafique, Saim and Irfan Khan are what they are but Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan are supposed to be the backbone and all failed to impress. Shaheen and Naseem clobbered a few to take Pakistan above 200 which should not be considered the norm.

Meanwhile, Pakistan also looked sloppy in the field as usual. While Irfan redeemed himself later in the inning, his dropped catch of Josh Inglis allowed the batter to put 48 runs on the board which Pakistan could have used.

2) Rizwan looks the part as Captain:

Those familiar with PSL or Multan Sultans have always known that Rizwan has been the most logical choice to replace Babar Azam as the captain. Finally given the choice, he impressed in his first outing with regular bowling changes that never let the Australian batters settle and his fielding placement which stifled the runs.

If he is given the time, Rizwan could lead Pakistan in the same way as Sarfaraz Ahmed did in Pakistan’s glory days.

3) Pakistan look reborn:

Maybe it was the change of scenery, a helpful wicket, or Rizawn’s pep talk but Pakistan’s bowling attack looked reborn in the first ODI against Australia.

Shaheen, Naseem, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain almost turned the game for their side despite a low score on the board. A little more help from the batters and they can win matches for Pakistan once again.

4) Australia maybe vulnerable:

Perhaps it was the fact that the world champions were just out of rhythm because it was their first game in over a month or maybe it was indicative of a larger issue.

With no Warner to give them a blistering start anymore, the Australian middle-order looked exposed especially after Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short failed their auditions for a permanent opening slot.  Steve Smith rode his luck and Marnus Labuschagne looked rusty and Glenn Maxwell did little throughout the game which means Pakistan has a real chance to coming back into the series.

5) Pat Cummins is Australia’s best player:

Some may need to read this again.

Pat Cummins is Australia’s best player hands down. Despite shouldering the burden of captaincy he has remained the most dependable option with the ball and the bat when the need arises. With the game hanging in the balance, it was Cummins who stepped up with a 31-ball 32 to help his side over the line.