By Asif Naveed
RAWALPINDI (MNN); Pakistan national cricket team made its landmark 1,000th One-Day International a memorable occasion by defeating Australia national cricket team by five wickets in Rawalpindi, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Playing at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan delivered a complete team performance with both bat and ball to register a historic win in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as the home side kept Australia under pressure throughout the innings.
Australia were bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs despite resistance from Matthew Short, who scored 55, and Matt Renshaw, who added 61. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and regularly picked up wickets to prevent the visitors from building major partnerships.
The standout performer was Pakistan debutant Arafat Minhas, who produced a dream performance with the ball. The young all-rounder claimed 5 wickets for 52 runs, becoming the first Pakistani bowler ever to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.
His spell proved decisive as he dismantled the Australian batting line-up and immediately etched his name into Pakistan cricket history. His performance also drew praise from cricket fans and analysts, many of whom described it as one of the finest ODI debuts by a Pakistani player.
Chasing 201 for victory, Pakistan began cautiously against the Australian pace attack before stabilising through a crucial third-wicket partnership between Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori.
The pair added a match-defining 127 runs, taking control of the chase after the early wickets. Babar played a composed innings of 69, anchoring the innings with his trademark timing and placement, while Ghazi contributed an impressive 65 to keep the scoreboard moving and guide Pakistan toward the target.
Pakistan reached 201 for 5 in 42.3 overs to seal victory with relative comfort.
The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and made the team’s 1,000th ODI one to remember.
Arafat Minhas was named the hero of the match for his historic bowling display. His five-wicket haul not only laid the foundation for the victory but also announced the arrival of a promising new talent in Pakistan cricket.
Cricket experts said his all-round ability and composure under pressure highlighted Pakistan’s emerging depth in young talent and could make him a key figure for the national side in the years ahead.
Fans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium celebrated the landmark victory enthusiastically, with many hailing the result as the perfect tribute to Pakistan’s 1,000-match ODI journey.
The victory also continues Pakistan’s strong momentum in white-ball cricket and gives the hosts confidence heading into the remaining matches of the series.
