RAWALPINDI (The Tribune International) – Pakistan celebrated a landmark occasion in emphatic fashion on Sunday, outclassing a depleted Australia side by chasing down 201 with ease in their 1,000th ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The home side wrapped up the target in 42.3 overs, finishing the match in style as Minhas cleared the ropes to seal a comfortable win, capping a dominant all-round display that exposed Australia’s lack of depth in spin-friendly conditions.
Earlier, Australia—missing several senior players including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head—were bundled out for 200 in 44.1 overs after struggling to handle Pakistan’s disciplined spin attack on a dry, turning surface.
The visitors showed brief resistance through Matthew Short and Matthew Renshaw, who stitched together a 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Short made 55 from 76 balls, while Renshaw top-scored with 61 off 63 deliveries, both playing controlled innings amid regular breakthroughs.
However, Australia’s innings never gained momentum as wickets fell at steady intervals. The collapse began early when Alex Carey was removed for 19, breaking a 34-run opening stand. From there, Pakistan’s spinners tightened their grip, with Minhas producing a decisive spell that dismantled the middle order.
Minhas struck crucial blows in quick succession, dismissing stand-in skipper Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne for a duck, and Cameron Green for a third-ball duck, leaving Australia struggling at 68 for 4 and effectively on the back foot.
Abrar Ahmad provided strong support with figures of 2 for 44, including the key wicket of Renshaw in his second spell. Arafat also played a finishing role, completing a five-wicket haul by removing Nathan Ellis for eight as Australia’s lower order folded without resistance.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was anchored by a composed and decisive partnership between captain Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori. Azam compiled a measured 69 from 94 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, while Ghori contributed a fluent 65 off 92 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries.
The pair added 127 runs for the third wicket, effectively taking the game away from Australia after early dismissals of Sahibzada Farhan (28) and Maaz Sadaqat (8) reduced Pakistan to 49 for 2.
Although both Azam and Ghori eventually fell to Nathan Ellis, Pakistan required only a small number of runs by that stage, and Minhas finished the match with a six to complete a commanding victory.
The remaining two matches of the series will be played in Lahore on Tuesday and Thursday.
