Pakistan sealed an impressive five-wicket victory over Australia in the first ODI on Saturday in Rawalpindi, chasing down a target of 201 with 45 balls to spare. Pakistan came out with a dominant all-round performance, aided by a noteworthy bowling performance from debutant Arafat Minhas.
The young spinner created history, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on ODI debut. He returned with the outstanding figures of 5/32 playing a crucial role in restricting an under-strength Australian side to 200 all out in 44.1 overs. During the chase, Pakistan were anchored by the experienced Babar Azam (69) and young batter Ghazi Ghori (65). After early setbacks reduced Pakistan to 49/2, both Babar and Ghori steadied the innings with a superb 127-run partnership for the third wicket.
Their stand took the game away from Australia, and later Arafat hit the winning runs to help Pakistan to go 1-0 up in the series. Australia struggled to build partnerships on a dry surface that offered great assistance to the spinners. For Australia, Matt Renshaw smashed 61, and Matt Short scored 55 to guide the side to a respectable total after they were asked to bat.