In the first ODI of the three-match ODI series, Australia defeated Pakistan by 88 runs to take a one nil lead in the series.

 

Imam's century in vain: Australia defeated Pakistan in the first ODI


In pursuit of Australia's target of 314 runs, the entire Pakistan team was bowled out for 225 runs in the 46th over. Imam-ul-Haq could not win the match even after scoring 103 runs.

 

Earlier in the match played at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Pakistan captain Babar Azam decided to field after winning the toss against Australia, on which Australia scored 313 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs while playing first.

 

Australia's innings

 

For Australia, Travis Head scored 101 and Ben McDermott 55, besides Marcus Stevens 26, Marin Labskhane 25 and captain Aaron Finch 23.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Zahid Mahmood took two wickets each while Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdal Shah took one wicket each.

 

Pakistan's innings

 

Pakistan did not have a good start in pursuit of the target of 314 runs. Opener Fakhr Zaman was dismissed for 18 runs but after the first wicket fell, a partnership of 96 runs was formed between captain Babar and Imam-ul-Haq.

 

Whenever the group's complete score arrived at 120 runs, Babar got back to the structure with 57 runs off 72 balls while Saud Shakeel could make just 3 runs.

 

On the one hand, the wickets of the Pakistani team kept falling, on the other hand, Imam-ul-Haq scored a century, but he could not win the team after playing a big innings. Imam was out for 103 runs off 96 balls.

 

Besides, Khushdal Shah scored 19 and Rizwan 10 runs.

 

For Australia, Adam Zampa bowled brilliantly and took 4 wickets, along with completing his 100 wickets in ODI cricket.

 

In addition, Travis Head and Swapson took 2 wickets each.

 

It should be noted that the other two matches of the ODI series are also scheduled in Lahore on March 31 and April 2.

 

It may be recalled that in the three-Test series between Pakistan and Australia, Australia had won by one wicket.