Pakistan crush Australia by five wickets as debutant Arafat Minhas steals show

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st May, 2026) Pakistan got their series off to a flying start, defeating Australia by five wickets in the first ODI at Rawalpindi cricket Stadium on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a modest 201, Pakistan cruised home comfortably, finishing at 202 for 5 in just 42.3 overs with 45 balls to spare.

The star of the day was young left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, who announced himself on the international stage in stunning fashion.

On ODI debut, Arafat ripped through the Australian batting with a superb spell of 5 for 32 in 10 overs, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to take a five-wicket haul on debut. His performance was the highlight of a disciplined bowling effort that bundled out Australia for just 200 in 44.1 overs.

Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with 61, while Matthew Short made 55.

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However, Pakistan’s spinners and pacers kept taking regular wickets. Abrar Ahmed grabbed two, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali Agha took one each.

In reply, Pakistan recovered well after losing early wickets. A crucial stand between wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori and Babar Azam steadied the chase. Ghori played a mature knock of 65 off 92 balls (8 fours), while Babar contributed a composed 61.

The pair laid the platform, and Pakistan crossed the line without too many alarms. Arafat Minhas remained unbeaten on 12, with Salman Ali Agha on 6.

Nathan Ellis was Australia’s best bowler with two wickets, while Matthew Kuhnemann and Tanveer Sangha picked up one apiece.

Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Match for his match-defining debut performance.