Arafat Minhas Makes History with Five-Wicket Haul on ODI Debut
RAWALPINDI: Young left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas etched his name into Pakistan cricket history by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on ODI debut, inspiring the hosts to bowl Australia out for 200 in the opening match of the three-ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
After Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to field first, Australia appeared comfortable at 62/1 before Minhas turned the match on its head with a remarkable spell. The debutant struck twice in his fourth over, removing captain Josh Inglis for 13 and trapping Marnus Labuschagne for a duck on consecutive deliveries.
Minhas continued his dream debut by dismissing Cameron Green in his next over, leaving Australia reeling at 68/4 and firmly handing momentum to Pakistan.
Australia attempted to recover through Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw, who added 55 runs for the fifth wicket. Short brought up his fourth ODI half-century but was unable to push on, becoming Minhas’ fourth victim after scoring 55 from 76 balls, including six boundaries.
Renshaw then led the resistance with a fluent 61 off 63 deliveries, featuring five fours and a six. However, Abrar Ahmed removed the left-hander in the 39th over to end Australia’s last substantial partnership.
Minhas returned to complete a memorable debut by claiming his fifth wicket, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/32 in 10 overs — the best bowling figures by a Pakistani on ODI debut and the first five-wicket haul by a Pakistan bowler in his maiden ODI appearance.
Abrar provided excellent support with 2/33, while Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up a wicket each as Australia were bundled out for a below-par 200 in 44.1 overs.
