Arafat Minhas sets Pakistan ODI debut bowling record against Australia

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas entered the record books on his one-day international debut after producing the best bowling figures by a Pakistani in a first ODI appearance during the opening match of the three-game series against Australia on Saturday.

The 21-year-old returned figures of 5-32 from 10 overs as Pakistan dismissed Australia for 200 in 44.1 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. His performance made him the first Pakistan player to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.

Minhas also surpassed a long-standing national mark for the best bowling figures by a Pakistani on ODI debut. The previous record had stood for 41 years and belonged to former fast bowler Zakir Khan, who took 4-19 against New Zealand in November 1984. Among Pakistan spinners, the previous best on debut had been Abdul Qadir’s 4-21 in 12 overs against New Zealand in 1983.

How the spell unfolded

Minhas made an immediate impact in Australia’s innings. He claimed the wicket of captain Josh Inglis in the 14th over and, in the same over, dismissed Marnus Labuschagne lbw. In his next over, he bowled Cameron Green for a duck.

His fourth wicket came in the 27th over when he removed Matthew Short, who top-scored with 55 off 76 balls. Minhas completed his five-for on the second-last ball of his spell by dismissing Nathan Ellis with an arm-ball.

Pakistan’s spin attack played a central role in restricting the visitors, with Minhas supported by Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha as Australia were bowled out for what was described as a modest total in the series opener.

Pakistan’s top ODI debut bowling figures

With his 5-32 against Australia in 2026, Minhas moved to the top of Pakistan’s list for best ODI debut bowling returns. He went past Zakir Khan’s 4-19 against New Zealand in 1984 and Abdul Qadir’s 4-21 against New Zealand in 1983. The other leading entries on the list are Abrar Ahmed’s 4-33 against Zimbabwe in 2024 and Sarfaraz Nawaz’s 4-46 against New Zealand in 1973.

The Rawalpindi match was also Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI. Before the game, Australia captain Josh Inglis presented Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi with a commemorative souvenir to mark the milestone. After winning the toss and opting to field, Afridi said representing Pakistan in the landmark match was a special moment for the team and the country.