Pakistan Beat Australia by 5 Wickets as Arafat Minhas Takes Five on Dream ODI Debut
Pakistan defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the 1st ODI of the 2026 series. Debutant Arafat Minhas starred with a five-wicket haul, while Babar Azam scored 69 in the successful chase.
Pakistan started their ODI series against Australia with a dominant five-wicket victory in the first match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, 2026. The hosts produced a complete performance with both ball and bat, led by teenage spinner Arafat Minhas, who delivered one of the most memorable ODI debuts in Pakistan cricket history.
The victory gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked a special occasion as it came in the country's 1,000th One-Day International.
Arafat Minhas Creates History on ODI Debut
All eyes were on Pakistan's young spinner Arafat Minhas after he was handed his ODI debut, and the 19-year-old responded in spectacular fashion.
Minhas tore through Australia's batting lineup, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 32 in his 10 overs. His spell completely changed the momentum of the match as Australia collapsed from a promising position after a steady start.
The young spinner removed key batters, including Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, before returning later to complete his maiden five-wicket haul. His performance made him one of the few Pakistan bowlers to claim five wickets on ODI debut.
Australia Struggle Against Pakistan's Spin Attack
After being asked to bat first, Australia began cautiously and reached 51/1 during the powerplay. Openers Matthew Short and Alex Carey looked comfortable before Pakistan's spinners took control.
Abrar Ahmed provided the breakthrough by dismissing Carey, while Minhas quickly dismantled the middle order. Australia slipped from 62/1 to 68/4 as Pakistan tightened their grip on the game.
Matthew Short fought hard with a well-made 55 from 76 balls, while Matt Renshaw produced Australia's best innings with 61 runs. However, regular wickets prevented Australia from building a major total.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 200 in 44.1 overs, with eight wickets falling to Pakistan's spin bowlers.
Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori Guide Pakistan Home
Pakistan's chase was not entirely straightforward after early wickets reduced them to 49/2. However, former captain Babar Azam once again showed his class under pressure.
Babar anchored the innings with a composed 69 from 94 deliveries, striking four boundaries and one six. He found strong support from Ghazi Ghori, who impressed with a fluent 65 from 92 balls.
The pair added a crucial 127-run partnership for the third wicket, effectively taking the match away from Australia. Their stand stabilized the innings and ensured Pakistan remained in control throughout the chase.
Minhas Finishes the Match in Style
After Babar and Ghori departed, Pakistan needed only a few runs to complete victory. Fittingly, the match belonged to Arafat Minhas from start to finish.
The young all-rounder smashed a six to seal the win and complete a dream debut performance. Pakistan reached 202/5 in 42.3 overs, winning with 45 balls remaining.
Australia Missing Several Senior Players
Australia entered the series without several first-choice players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head. Injuries, workload management and scheduling commitments forced the visitors to field a relatively inexperienced squad.
Josh Inglis captained the side, but Australia's batting unit struggled against Pakistan's spin-heavy attack on a dry Rawalpindi surface.
Match Summary
Australia: 200 all out (44.1 overs)
- Matt Renshaw – 61
- Matthew Short – 55
- Arafat Minhas – 5/32
- Abrar Ahmed – 2/44
Pakistan: 202/5 (42.3 overs)
- Babar Azam – 69
- Ghazi Ghori – 65
- Pakistan won by 5 wickets
What’s Next?
The three-match ODI series now moves to Lahore, where Australia will look to bounce back and level the contest. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be aiming to secure the series with another victory in the second ODI.
With Arafat Minhas announcing himself on the international stage and Pakistan's spin attack performing brilliantly, the hosts will enter the next match full of confidence.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan produced a disciplined and professional performance to defeat Australia by five wickets in the opening ODI. While Babar Azam's experience and Ghazi Ghori's composure were crucial during the chase, the day undoubtedly belonged to Arafat Minhas.
A five-wicket haul on debut, a Player of the Match performance, and the winning six made it a historic outing for the teenager and a memorable day for Pakistan cricket.