RAWALPINDI: Young spinner Arafat Minhas delivered a dream debut performance, producing a sensational five-wicket haul for just 32 runs in 10 overs, becoming the first Pakistani bowler in history to achieve this milestone on ODI debut.
Pakistan vs Australia ODI Series saw a dramatic bowling display as Australia were bowled out for 200 in 45 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 201 runs to win.
Arafat Minhas record-breaking spell also ended a 42-year-old milestone. The previous best bowling figures on ODI debut for Pakistan were held by Zakir Khan, who took 4 wickets for 19 runs against New Zealand in 1984.
Australia’s innings was anchored by Matthew Renshaw, who scored 61, and Matthew Short, who made 55, but they failed to carry their side to a stronger total.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed took two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Agha and Haris Rauf claimed one wicket each.
With 201 runs required for victory, Pakistan will look to chase the target in the remaining match of the series.
More read, Pakistan put Australia in to bat after winning toss in first ODI
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Australia in the opening match of a three-match One-Day International series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said the occasion was particularly significant as Pakistan was playing its 1,000th ODI, becoming one of the few teams to reach the milestone in international cricket.
“It is an honor to captain Pakistan in its 1,000th ODI,” Afridi said at the toss. “It is a historic moment for the entire team, and we will try to deliver a strong performance and secure a victory.”
Pakistan handed an ODI debut to Arafat Minhas, one of several young players included in the lineup.
