Australia vs Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh scores maiden ODI World Cup century on his birthday

Australia opening batter Mitchell Marsh celebrated his birthday in style by scoring his maiden ODI World Cup century against Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Marsh, who had been struggling for form in the opening three matches of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, scored just his second ODI century and his first in the World Cup. Marsh also formed Australia’s highest first-wicket partnership in ODI World Cups with David Warner.

In fact, this is the first time that two Australian openers have scored centuries in ODI World Cups.

The two batters took the attack to Pakistan from the word go at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The record opening stand between Warner and Marsh saw both of them completing their respective centuries.

Marsh got to the hundred-run mark in 100 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and six maximums against Pakistan in Bengaluru. He went on to score 121 runs off 108 balls, smashing 10 boundaries and nine maximums. His partnership with Warner was broken in the 34th over by Shaheen Shah Afridid. However, the damage had already been done as the two openers put up 259 runs for the opening wicket in Bengaluru.

Australia lost their opening two matches in the tournament against hosts India and South Africa. They bounced back with a comfortable win against 1996 champions Sri Lanka and will be looking t do the same against Pakistan as well.

The Aussies find themselves in the middle of the World Cup 2023 points table and are still two places off the top-four spots.