A debutant dismantled Australia with the ball yet also struck the final blow with the bat, a contrast that decided the opening ODI in Rawalpindi. Arafat Minhas took five for 32 to wreck the Australian top order, and Pakistan chased 201 to finish 202 for 5 in 42.3 overs. Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs on a turning surface, with Matt Renshaw scoring 61 and Matthew Short 55 as the main resistance. Pakistan now lead the three-match series 1-0 and head to Lahore, where a win on June 2, 2026 would clinch the contest.

Australia posted 200 on a turning Rawalpindi pitch, yet their apparent total looked fragile once Arafat Minhas found his length and spin. The 20-year-old debutant finished with five for 32, breaking the backbone of the visitors' innings and reducing Australia to 200 all out in the 45th over.

Arafat's breakthrough

Arafat struck early and often, removing wickets that left Australia short of a match-winning platform despite useful knocks from Matt Renshaw and Matthew Short. Renshaw made 61 and Short 55, the only substantial resistance as the surface increasingly favoured spin and created awkward bounce for the middle order. Arafat's five-wicket haul was the decisive turning point: he dismissed key batters and denied Australia the kind of late acceleration that might have added 30 to 40 runs to their total.

The visitors managed to bat out 44.1 overs, but Pakistan's plan to exploit the wicket paid off. Shaheen Afridi praised the bowlers' execution after the game, saying the team had targeted bowling first and were pleased with how the bowlers carried out the plan. Australia captain Josh Inglis conceded his side had worked hard in the chase but said an extra 30 to 40 runs would have made the contest different.

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Babar and Ghori steady the chase

Pakistan's reply looked steady rather than spectacular until a third-wicket stand of 126 steadied the innings. Babar Azam made 69 and Ghazi Ghori contributed 65, a partnership that absorbed the early spin threat and allowed the chase to progress without panic. The pair negotiated the tricky surface and the specialist bowling, turning a potentially tense chase into a manageable pursuit.

From there Pakistan were able to pick up the scoring rate and finish with room to spare. The victory was punctuated by an exclamation mark from the man of the match himself: Arafat, having already starred with the ball, launched a six off Marnus Labuschagne to finish the chase and take Pakistan to 202 for 5 in 42.3 overs.

The six summed up a day in which a single young player influenced both innings.

Arafat Minhas was awarded Player of the Match. He kept his response simple and measured, saying, "Tried to enjoy the environment. Basics are always important no matter the conditions." That balance of composure and impact is what the hosts will hope to see again in Lahore.

The opening game in Rawalpindi set the tone for a short series where small margins will decide the outcome. Pakistan now carry momentum and a clear plan into the second ODI, while Australia face the immediate task of regrouping and finding another 30 to 40 runs if they're to level the series.

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The second ODI is scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2, 2026, where Pakistan can clinch the three-match series with a win and Australia must win to level the contest ahead of the decider. Originally reported by timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

This article was created with AI assistance.