Rawalpindi, 30 May 2026: Report by: Fazeela Saleh,
Arafat Minhas enjoyed a dream ODI debut as Pakistan celebrated their 1,000th ODI with a convincing five-wicket win over Australia in the opening match of the three-ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.
Pakistan and Australia will play the second ODI at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, 2 June.
21-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder delivered a match-winning performance, returning figures of 5-32 in 10 overs before striking the winning six to cap a memorable debut and hand Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series. He became the only Pakistan Men’s bowler to take a five-fer on an ODI debut.
After opting to field first, Pakistan’s bowlers combined effectively to dismiss Australia for 200 in 44.1 overs. Matt Renshaw top-scored with 61, while Matthew Short scored 55.
Arafat turned the game in Pakistan’s favour with a sensational spell in the middle overs. He removed Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession before accounting for Cameron Green to leave Australia reeling at 68-4. The debutant later returned to dismiss Short and Nathan Ellis to complete a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.
Abrar Ahmed chipped in with two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Salman Ali Agha took one wicket apiece.
In turn, Pakistan were reduced to 49-2 before Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori steadied the innings with a commanding third-wicket partnership worth 127 runs.
Babar continued his rich run of form, scoring 69 off 94 balls, including four boundaries and a six. At the other end, Ghazi produced a landmark knock in only his second ODI appearance, registering his maiden half-century. The wicketkeeper-batter struck 65 from 92 balls and hit eight fours.
The pair guided Pakistan into a position of control before both departed late in the chase. With 25 runs still required, Arafat once again rose to the occasion, remaining unbeaten on 18 from 17 balls. The left-hander fittingly sealed victory with a six with 45 balls to spare, completing a remarkable all-round debut performance.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat Australia by five wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Australia 200 all out in 44.1 overs (Matt Renshaw 61, Matthew Short 55; Arafat Minhas 5-32, Abrar Ahmed 2-44)
Pakistan 202-5 in 42.3 overs (Babar Azam 69, Ghazi Ghori 65; Nathan Ellis 2-45)
Player of the match – Arafat Minhas (Pakistan)