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June 1, 2026
RAWALPINDI – Pakistan secured a commanding 5-wicket victory over Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
The match was particularly significant as it marked Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI – making them only the third team in cricket history to achieve this milestone, after Australia and India.
Australia Bowled Out for 200
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi won the toss and opted to field first – a decision that proved spot on as Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled the Australian batting lineup.
The visitors were bowled out for just 200 runs in 45 overs.
| Australian Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Matthew Renshaw | 61 |
| Matthew Short | 55 |
| Others | – |
No other Australian batter could cross the 30-run mark, as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Arfat Minhas: A Dream Debut
The highlight of the match was the sensational debut of young fast bowler Arfat Minhas, who registered a 5-wicket haul in his very first ODI.
“Arfat Minhas took 5 wickets for 52 runs on debut, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in his maiden ODI.”
| Bowler | Figures |
|---|---|
| Arfat Minhas | 5/52 (9 overs) |
| Others | Shared remaining 5 wickets |
Before Arfat Minhas, the best debut bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler were 4 for 19 by Zakir Khan in 1984.
Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori Steer Chase
Chasing a target of 201 runs, Pakistan completed the victory in 43 overs, losing 5 wickets in the process.
| Pakistan Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 69 |
| Ghazi Ghori | 65 |
Babar Azam anchored the chase with a composed 69, while Ghazi Ghori contributed a valuable 65 to guide Pakistan home. The pair added a crucial partnership that steadied the innings after early wickets.
Historic 1,000th ODI
The match held special significance as it was Pakistan’s 1,000th One-Day International.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI | First country to reach 1,000 ODIs since 1994 |
| Third team overall | After Australia (1,000+ ODIs) and India (1,000+ ODIs) |
| First Pakistani bowler with 5 wickets on debut | Arif Minhas |
| First win in 1,000th ODI | Pakistan joined India as teams who won their 1,000th ODI |
India had won their 1,000th ODI in 2025, while Australia lost theirs. Pakistan now becomes the second team to win their 1,000th ODI .
Series Schedule
The remaining two matches of the three-match series will be played in Lahore.
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Rawalpindi | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| 2nd ODI | Lahore | To be played |
| 3rd ODI | Lahore | To be played |
What This Win Means
The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series. A win in either of the remaining two matches would secure the series for the home side.
For Australia, the defeat is a setback as they look to build momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup. For Pakistan, the debut heroics of Arfat Minhas and the composed batting display provide plenty of positives.
