Pakistan marked their 1000th One Day International with a statement victory, defeating Australia by five wickets in Rawalpindi on Saturday in a match that will be remembered for both its historic significance and a record-breaking debut performance.
Twenty-one-year-old all-rounder Arafat Minhas announced his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion, claiming five wickets for just 32 runs to become the first Pakistani ever to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut. His figures shattered a 41-year-old national record previously held by former pacer Zakir Khan, who had taken four for 19 against New Zealand in 1984.
Minhas dismantled Australia’s batting order with surgical precision, removing captain Josh Inglis and star batsman Marnus Labuschagne in the same over before cleaning up Cameron Green for a duck. He returned later to dismiss set batsman Matthew Short for 55 and wrapped up his spell by foxing Nathan Ellis with a clever arm-ball.
The spinner’s heroics restricted Australia to a modest 200 all out in just 44.1 overs, despite half-centuries from Short and Matt Renshaw. Fellow spinners Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha provided crucial support as Pakistan’s bowling attack dominated throughout.
Chasing 201, Pakistan reached the target comfortably with five wickets down and 45 balls remaining. The victory was built on a commanding 127-run third-wicket partnership between former captain Babar Azam and emerging wicketkeeper-batsman Ghazi Ghori.
Babar anchored the chase with a composed 69 off 94 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six, while Ghori contributed a solid 65 off 92 balls with eight fours. Though both fell to Nathan Ellis in quick succession, Pakistan never looked in serious trouble.
Fittingly, Minhas returned to hit the winning runs, smashing a six over the bowler’s head to seal a memorable debut and a historic team milestone.
The match held special significance as Pakistan became only the third nation to play 1000 ODIs, joining India and Australia in this exclusive club. Since their maiden ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1973, Pakistan has won 527 matches out of 999 played.
Before the toss, Australian captain Inglis presented Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi with a commemorative bat featuring a bail and three stumps on top, acknowledging the landmark occasion.
“It is a special occasion for Pakistan,” Shaheen said after winning the toss. “It’s a happy thing that when Pakistanis represent in ODI, it is a big achievement. We will enjoy it and push for it.”
The Green Shirts delivered on that promise, combining their rich ODI heritage—including World Cup glory in 1992 and Champions Trophy triumph in 2017—with fresh young talent to launch the three-match series in style.
With two matches remaining, Pakistan will look to build on this momentum and secure a series victory against one of cricket’s powerhouse nations on home soil.
