Spinner Arafat Minhas celebrates after taking five wickets on ODI debut against Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Photo: PCB
Left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas produced a sensational spell on debut as Pakistan bowled out Australia for 200 in the first One-Day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Minhas returned remarkable figures of 5 for 32, bamboozling the Australian batters and becoming the first Pakistani bowler to take five wickets on ODI debut.
He broke a 42-year-old record previously held by Zakir Khan, who had taken 4 for 19 on debut against New Zealand in 1984.
His performance dismantled Australia’s batting line-up, which folded in 44.1 overs. Matthew Renshaw top-scored with 61, while Matthew Short made 55, as Australia were bowled out for 200, setting Pakistan a target of 201.
Minhas was well supported by Abrar Ahmed, who claimed two wickets.
The match also marked Pakistan’s 1,000th One-Day International, making it only the third team in the world to reach the milestone, alongside Australia and India.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted the landmark encounter, where Australia captain Josh Inglis presented a souvenir to Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said he felt proud to lead Pakistan in such a historic match.
“It is a special occasion for Pakistan. It is a happy thing that when Pakistanis represent in ODIs, it is a big achievement. So I think it is a special moment for the whole team and we will enjoy it and push for it,” Shaheen said after winning the toss and opting to field first.
The Men in Green, who played their maiden ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1973, have so far played 999 ODIs, winning 527 and losing 442. Nine matches have been tied, while 21 have ended without a result.
