By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Debutant Arafat Minhas produced a stunning all-round performance to lead Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over Australia in their landmark 1,000th One-Day International on Saturday, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The 21-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder claimed 5-32 in 10 overs before striking the winning six in an unbeaten cameo of 18, capping a dream ODI debut at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and becoming the first Pakistan men’s bowler to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.
Pakistan’s victory in their milestone ODI appearance was built on a disciplined bowling effort after captaincy’s decision to field first paid immediate dividends.
Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs despite half-centuries from Matt Renshaw and Matthew Short. Renshaw top-scored with 61 while Short contributed 55, but neither batter was able to convert their starts into a match-defining innings as Pakistan tightened their grip through the middle overs.
The turning point came when Minhas ripped through Australia’s batting order with a spell that transformed a steady innings into a collapse. He struck twice in quick succession to remove Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne before dismissing Cameron Green, leaving the tourists struggling at 68-4.
Australia attempted to rebuild through Renshaw and Short, but Minhas returned to claim the wickets of Short and Nathan Ellis to complete a memorable five-wicket haul and finish with the best bowling figures by a Pakistan player on ODI debut.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed provided valuable support with 2-44, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with a wicket each as Pakistan’s attack shared the spoils.
Chasing a modest target of 201, Pakistan encountered early turbulence when they slipped to 49-2. However, former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori steadied the innings with a composed third-wicket partnership of 127 runs that effectively put the hosts on course for victory.
Babar continued his impressive form in the format, scoring 69 from 94 deliveries with four boundaries and a six. At the other end, Ghori announced himself on the international stage with a mature knock of 65 from 92 balls in only his second ODI appearance, striking eight fours during his maiden half-century.
The pair absorbed the pressure and rotated the strike efficiently, frustrating Australia’s bowlers as they gradually eroded the target.
Australia briefly sensed an opening when both set batters departed during the latter stages of the chase, leaving Pakistan still requiring 25 runs. But Minhas once again rose to the occasion, displaying composure beyond his years to guide the hosts home.
The left-hander remained unbeaten on 18 from 17 balls and fittingly sealed victory by launching the winning runs over the boundary with 45 balls remaining, drawing loud celebrations from the home crowd and completing one of the most memorable ODI debuts by a Pakistan player.
The result gives Pakistan a 1-0 advantage heading into the second ODI at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2, while Australia will need a response to keep the series alive.
For Pakistan, the emergence of Minhas offered another encouraging sign as they continue to build depth ahead of future international assignments. For one night at least, the young all-rounder ensured that Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI would be remembered as much for his arrival on the international stage as for the victory itself.
Summarised scores
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)
Pakistan won by five wickets.
Player of the Match: Arafat Minhas
