Pak vs Aus: Australia beaten in Pakistan ODI series opener

RAWALPINDI: Half-centuries from Babar Azam and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, coupled with a five-wicket haul by debutant Arafat Minhas, powered Pakistan to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Australia in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a modest target of 201, Pakistan reached 202-5 in 42.3 overs, sealing the win with 45 balls to spare.

Sahibzada Farhan provided a steady start with 28 off 33 deliveries before Maaz Sadaqat fell for eight. Babar then anchored the innings with a composed 69 off 94 balls, adding a crucial partnership with Ghazi Ghori, who struck 65 from 92 deliveries.

After Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan briefly lost momentum as Salman Ali Agha and Abdul Samad departed cheaply. However, Arafat Minhas remained unbeaten on 18 off 17 balls to guide the hosts across the finish line alongside Ghori.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bowl first proved fruitful as Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs despite fighting half-centuries from Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw.

Australia made a solid start before spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Alex Carey for 19. Debutant Minhas then turned the match on its head with a sensational spell, removing Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in quick succession to leave the visitors struggling at 68-4.

Short scored 55 off 76 balls, while Renshaw top-scored with 61 from 63 deliveries, but neither could prevent Australia from slipping to a below-par total.

Minhas completed a dream ODI debut with figures of 5-32 in 10 overs, while Abrar claimed two wickets. Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf chipped in with one wicket each.

For his match-winning five-wicket haul and unbeaten cameo, Minhas was named Player of the Match.

The fixture also marked a historic milestone for Pakistan cricket, as the national side played its 1,000th One-Day International, becoming only the third men’s team after Australia and India to reach the landmark.