Australia narrowly secured a victory against Pakistan in the first ODI at the MCG, overcoming a challenging spell from Haris Rauf. Chasing a target of 204, the Australian team found themselves in a precarious position at 139 for six in just the 21st over, as Rauf dismantled their middle order while they aimed to finish the game quickly. However, captain Pat Cummins, who scored an unbeaten 32, played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. This match marked Cummins' return to ODI cricket following last year’s World Cup final victory. His experience proved vital as Australia managed to reach their target with 99 balls to spare, despite the early collapse. Cummins has developed a reputation as a reliable run-chaser, having been involved in several tight finishes in both Test and ODI formats over the past 18 months.