Mitchell Starc’s Fiery Spell Against Pakistan Marks Historic Milestone

Star Australian seamer Mitchell Starc continues to etch his name in cricketing history. In a commanding performance against Pakistan in the first ODI on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Starc showcased his skill, control, and raw pace. The left-arm speedster’s blistering opening spell not only dismantled Pakistan’s top order but also earned him an elite milestone his 100th ODI wicket on Australian soil.

Starc’s Historic Milestone

Mitchell Starc has been a key figure in Australian cricket for over a decade, known for his deadly pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. Reaching 100 wickets on home soil is a remarkable achievement. This milestone places Starc among an elite group of Australian bowlers, including Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Craig McDermott, and Steve Waugh. It is not just a number; it reflects his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his place as a modern-day great in Australian cricket.

Starc was in his element from the very first over, generating speed, bounce, and swing. He consistently troubled Pakistan’s opening batsmen, putting them on the back foot with his aggressive line and length. His new-ball spell was a masterclass in fast bowling, ultimately resulting in the wickets of both Saim Ayyub and Abdullah Shafique.

Australia’s Bowling Dominance at Home

Australia has always been known for producing world-class bowlers who dominate on home soil, and Starc is no exception. His ability to exploit Australian conditions—be it the extra bounce or the swing is a significant asset for the team, adding to Australia’s long legacy of formidable bowling attacks.

Starc’s first victim was Pakistan’s young debutant, Saim Ayyub. The delivery was full and fast, causing Ayyub to misjudge it and get an inside edge onto his stumps. This wicket showcased Starc’s accuracy and ability to unsettle even the most composed batsmen.

Soon after dismissing Ayyub, Starc claimed the wicket of Abdullah Shafique. The batsman attempted to leave a well-directed delivery but ended up edging it to the wicketkeeper, Josh Inglis. This dismissal underscored Starc’s relentless accuracy and clever use of variations.

Pakistan’s Middle Order Contributions

In response to the early collapse, new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam tried to steady the innings. The pair added a valuable 39-run partnership for the third wicket, offering a glimmer of hope for Pakistan.

However, Australia struck back as Adam Zampa bowled Babar Azam for 37 runs. Babar’s dismissal was a turning point, and with his departure, Pakistan lost momentum once again, struggling to build partnerships and keep up with the required run rate.

Despite the setbacks, Mohammad Rizwan displayed resilience on his ODI captaincy debut. He played a crucial role, anchoring the innings and ensuring that Pakistan reached a respectable total. Rizwan’s 44 off 71 balls was a testament to his determination and skill, although he fell just short of his half-century.