Debutant Arafat Minhas becomes first home bowler to take five wickets on ODI debut as Pakistan win by five wickets in Rawalpindi
Image: ESPN Cricinfo
RAWALPINDI — Pakistan celebrated their 1,000th ODI with a comfortable five-wicket win over Australia, built on a stunning debut from spinner Arafat Minhas.
Minhas finished with 5-32, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on ODI debut. His spell helped bundle out an under-strength Australia for just 200, with eight wickets falling to spinners on a dry, spin-friendly pitch.
Chasing 201, Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori rescued Pakistan from 49-2 with a 127-run stand. Azam made 69 and Ghori 65 before both fell late, but the game was long decided. Pakistan cruised home in 42.3 overs.
Australia, missing Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Head, never looked comfortable against Pakistan’s spinners. The series moves to Lahore for the remaining two matches on Tuesday and Thursday.
