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Pakistan’s promising opener, Saim Ayub, faced a rough start in the ODI series against Australia, falling victim to ace speedster Mitchell Starc in the opening game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday (November 4).
Saim Ayub’s early dismissal marks a disappointing ODI start
With expectations high and a significant opportunity to make an impact, Ayub managed only a single run before falling to the experienced Starc in what turned out to be a game-defining moment. The dismissal took place during the third over of Pakistan’s innings after Australian skipper Pat Cummins chose to bowl first, capitalizing on the early conditions. Cummins and Starc maintained a tight line and pace that suffocated the scoring opportunities for the openers, building pressure with each passing delivery.
The delivery by Mitchell Starc that unsettled Ayub
Starc’s mastery with the new ball was on full display when he engineered the downfall of Ayub. Approaching from over the wicket, Starc started with a back-of-the-length delivery that pushed Ayub onto the defensive, testing his technique and reflexes. The pressure mounted as Starc, known for his lethal in-swingers and subtle variations, adjusted his length on the fourth ball of the over.
He pitched it fuller and lured Ayub into an ill-fated drive. The left-hander, seeking to break the shackles, played a half-hearted shot that lacked conviction. The ball jagged inward just enough to take the inside edge of Ayub’s bat before rattling the stumps. Ayub’s brief innings came to an abrupt end.
Here’s the video:
Starc gets the ball rolling! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/CYXcVECkj1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 4, 2024
Also READ: AUS vs PAK 2024, 3 ODIs: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, Pakistan, USA, UK & other countries
Babar Azam steps in to stabilize the Pakistan’s innings
After the early dismissal of Ayub in the third over, Pakistan’s innings needed quick stabilization. Babar Azam, the team’s cornerstone and captain, walked out to join Abdullah Shafique in the middle. Australia’s bowlers, led by the ever-threatening Starc and supported by captain Cummins, kept up the pressure with disciplined lines and lengths.
Shafique tried to build on the innings but fell for 12 runs in the 7th over, caught by Josh Inglis off Starc’s bowling. With Pakistan at 24/2, Babar took on the responsibility, displaying his usual composure and finding timely boundaries to push the score forward. Partnering with Mohammad Rizwan, Babar moved confidently to 37 not out off 41 balls. However later on Babar succumbed to Adam Zampa’s cunning spin. With both top-order batters gone, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam must now forge a crucial partnership to resurrect the innings as Pakistan finds themselves struggling at 68/3 in 18 overs
