Pakistan secured a memorable 5-wicket victory over Australia in their 1000th One Day International (ODI) match. In the first game of the 3-match ODI series, Australia set a target of 201 runs after losing the toss and batting first. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 42.3 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghuri. However, the real hero of the match was debutant Arafat Minhas, who took 5 wickets on his ODI debut, a first for a Pakistani bowler. Minhas dismissed Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matthew Short, and Nathan Ellis for just 32 runs in 10 overs. Despite losing 2 wickets for 49 runs while chasing, Babar and Ghuri's 127-run partnership for the third wicket sealed the match. Babar was out for 69 and Ghuri for 65, both dismissed by Ellis. The second ODI of the series is scheduled for June 2.
Key Performers
- Babar Azam: 69 runs - Ghazi Ghuri: 65 runs - Arafat Minhas: 5 wickets
