Australia defeated Pakistan in the first ODI.© AFP
Australia etched its name in the history books by becoming the most successful team against Pakistan in the ODI format after playing a thriller at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia managed to claw their way to a narrow two-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. This was the 71st time that the Baggy Greens have allowed Pakistan to taste defeat in the format, which is the most by any team.
In the ODI format, West Indies have also defeated Pakistan 71 times, but Australia managed to achieve this in 28 fewer matches. Australia's 71 wins have come in 109 matches, while the Men in Green have emerged victorious 34 times.
On the other hand, West Indies managed to register 71 wins in 137 matches. Sri Lanka has the third highest wins over Pakistan with a total of 59 in 157 matches. England and India have recorded 57 wins each in 92 and 135 matches respectively.
This wasn't the only way Australia established its supremacy in the cricketing world. Left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc overtook legendary pacer Brett Lee to become the fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets in Australia.
In the series opener, Starc delivered a performance with the ball that lived up to his reputation. He took a three-wicket haul while giving away 33 runs in his 10-over spell at an economy of just 3.33.
The veteran pacer made his mark on the powerplay with his scorching pace, getting the wickets of both openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub in the powerplay and later getting the scalp of Shaheen Shah Afridi.
After his spell ended, Starc reached the triple digits by completing 100 ODI wickets in Australia in just 54 innings, surpassing Lee's record of reaching the milestone in 55 innings. Glenn McGrath, another Australian legend, is third on the list, taking his 100th ODI wicket in Australia in his 56th innings.
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