Here is the updated ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table after PAK vs AUS 1st ODI

Australia put up a clinical show in the first ODI against Pakistan and walked away with a thumping 88-run triumph at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Aaron Finch’s men have now also taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It must be noted that the Aussies are without the services of many of their key players in this series.

Hence, the Men in Green were expected to dominate the visitors. However, nothing as such happened as Babar Azam’s men endured a hard day at the office. Batting first at the venue, the Aussies posted a daunting 313/7 in their allotted 50 overs. While Travis Head slammed a sensational hundred on his ODI comeback, Ben McDermott scored a half-century. Chris Green also played a handy 40-run cameo lower down the order.

Pakistan batters failed to showcase resilience

In reply, Pakistan lost opener Fakhar Zaman for a run-a-ball 18 as the Aussies tightened their grip over the contest. However, Imam-ul-Haq joined forces with skipper Babar Azam and the duo added 96 runs for the second wicket. The former even went on to score a brilliant hundred. Once the partnership was broken, it was smooth sailing for the Aussies as Pakistan suffered a middle-order collapse.

With four wickets, Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as Pakistan were bundled out for 225, losing the contest by 88 runs. Needless to mention, Aussie skipper Aaron Finch was pleased with his team’s efforts and he expressed the same after the contest.

“We felt we needed something around the 300-mark. It was made easier by Travis who got off to a flier. We felt like we needed a spinner based on how dry the square was. We have come here with an open mind to be flexible and select the side. The guys were struggling at the back end to hold the ball. It is easy for the set batters, but it is tough for the new ones coming in,” said Finch in the post-match conversation.

While this win took Australia to the fourth position in the ICC World Cup Super League points table, Pakistan are reeling at the 11th place.

ICC Super League points table: