Australia defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in the first ODI

 Pakistani bowled out for 225 chasing the target of 314

Australia defeated Pakistan by the big margin of 88 runs in the first One Day International played at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. Australia gives Pakistan the target of 314 runs. Travis Head was the hero for Australia as he made 101 runs on 72 balls. His innings was the main difference between the two sides. Opener Head, playing his first ODI since November 2018, struck 12 boundaries and three sixes in a 72-ball 101 that powered Australia to 313-7. Ben McDermott (55) was also among the runs as he notched up his maiden ODI fifty.

At one stage, Australia looked set for a bigger total but spinners Zahid Mahmood (2-59) and Khushdil Shah (1-50) dragged things back for Pakistan in the middle overs before a late flourish from Cameron Green (40 not out) pushed the Australians past 300.

In response, the hosts struggled for momentum on a slowish Gaddafi Stadium wicket despite a fine century from opener Imam-ul-Haq (103), which was removed by a Nathan Ellis yorker in the 39th over to swing the match in Australia's favour.

Head (2-35) capped off the perfect day with two wickets as he combined with fellow spinners Adam Zampa (4-38) and Mitchell Swepson (2-53) to further restrict Pakistan, who were bowled out for 225 in 45.2 overs.

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