Mitchell Starc achieves milestone during first Pakistan ODI
MELBOURNE: Mitchell Starc added another impressive achievement to his career on Monday by reaching 100 One-Day International (ODI) wickets on home soil.
This milestone came during the first ODI of the three-match series against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Starc made an immediate impact as he opened the bowling for Australia, striking early by dismissing debutant opener Saim Ayub in the third over.
Bowling from over the wicket, Starc delivered a fuller ball outside the off-stump that angled in, breaking through Ayub’s defense as he tried to drive the ball away from his body. This wicket marked Starc’s 100th ODI wicket in Australia, making him only the fifth Australian bowler to reach this significant milestone. He joins the ranks of legendary bowlers such as Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Craig McDermott.
Most Wickets by Australian Bowlers in Home ODIs:
| Bowler | Innings | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Brett Lee | 94 | 169 |
| Glenn McGrath | 95 | 160 |
| Shane Warne | 83 | 134 |
| Craig McDermott | 88 | 125 |
| Mitchell Starc | 54 | 101* |
Following his milestone wicket, Starc quickly added another by dismissing Abdullah Shafique. He bowled a short delivery that Shafique attempted to leave, but the ball clipped his bat and went to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.
Starc’s early strikes had Pakistan reeling at 24 for 4 in just 6.4 overs. As this report was filed, Pakistan struggled at 172 for 7 in 42 overs, with debutant Muhammad Irfan Khan and Naseem Shah not out on 20 and 13, respectively.
