- Cricket fans spot unusual details in pre-match photo
- Australians beat Pakistan in thriller at MCG
- Cummins saved Australia from embarrassing defeat
A photo of Australian captain Pat Cummins posing with his Pakistani rival Mohammad Rizwan caught the attention of cricket fans during the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Chasing just 204, Australia collapsed to 6-139 in the 21st minute when Rauf skipped the middle order as the hosts were trying to finish the game as quickly as possible.
But captain Cummins (32*), playing his first ODI since last year’s stunning World Cup final triumph, was there again at the end in a tight chase as Australia came home with 99 balls to spare.
However, before the match began, the captains posed for a photograph with the trophy and Rizwan’s hand could be seen placed on top of the Australian captain’s.
Fans on social media were amused by the unusual photo.
‘Friendship goals,’ one X user posted.
‘Love is love,’ replied another
“Bromance in Melbourne,” said a third.
A photo of Australian captain Pat Cummins posing with his Pakistani rival Mohammad Rizwan caught the attention of cricket fans due to the placement of the player’s hands.
Pat Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat by guiding them to a two-wicket ODI victory against Pakistan.
Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing match defeat, arriving with Australia reeling at 7-155 chasing just 204.
But just as he did twice during last year’s World Cup in India and in trial victories at Edgbaston in 2023 and Christchurch in March, Cummins showed he is more than one of the best quicks of his generation.
He scored an unbeaten 32 off 31 balls to lead Australia to victory with 99 balls remaining.
The 31-year-old underwent corrective eye surgery this year, something Starc believes has helped his batting.
“Now his eyes are done,” Starc said.
“We’ve been arguing for a couple of years, well, I’ve been arguing that he should bat over me.
—So I hope that has solidified that.
‘But it’s a fantastic way for him to take it home.
Pat Cummins proved once again that he is more than one of the best quicks of his generation.
“Obviously the guys’ initial intention (with their batting) was what we were looking for, obviously too many wickets, but a positive start to the summer.”
Australia’s shot selection let them down as they tried to secure victory as quickly as possible.
Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Aaron Hardie fell in an arrogant way they would regret.
Pakistani player Haris Rauf renewed his love affair with the MCG, dismissing Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive balls to turn around what appeared to be a straight chase.
Australia can close the three-match series by beating Pakistan on Friday night at the Adelaide Oval.
The teams will then play three Twenty20s, before Australia begins their summer Test against India in Perth on November 22.
