Pakistan Beat Australia in First ODI After Arafat Minhas’ Dream Debut
Pakistan secured a commanding five-wicket win over Australia in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, chasing down a modest target of 201 with 45 balls to spare.
The victory was built on a strong third-wicket partnership between Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori, who anchored the chase with composed half-centuries after an early setback.
Pakistan lost an early wicket with just 25 runs on the board before Babar and Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings. Farhan scored 28 before being dismissed, after which Babar and Ghazi took control with a 127-run stand that put the hosts firmly in charge.
Babar top-scored with 69 off 94 balls, while Ghazi contributed 65 off 92 deliveries. Both were dismissed in quick succession by Australia’s Nathan Ellis, but Pakistan remained in control of the chase.
Arafat Minhas finished the match in style, hitting the winning runs with a six and remaining unbeaten on 18, capping off a memorable all-round debut.
Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs despite half-centuries from Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw. Minhas starred with the ball, taking 5 for 32 in a sensational spell that dismantled the Australian batting lineup.
He removed key batters including Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, while Abrar Ahmed and other Pakistani bowlers provided support to restrict the visitors.
Australia’s middle and lower order failed to recover after the collapse, with Pakistan’s attack sealing a dominant performance in the series opener.
