Rawalpindi: Emerging all-rounder Arafat Minhas etched his name in history on Saturday by recording the best bowling performance by a Pakistan debutant in the opening match of the ODI series against Australia.
In his first appearance, Minhas took 5 wickets for just 32 runs in his 10 overs, becoming the first Pakistani to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.
The result was the best bowling figures by a Pakistani on ODI debut of 5/32, breaking a 41-year-old record held by former right-arm pacer Zakir Khan, who took four wickets for just 19 against New Zealand in November 1984.
Among the spinners, Abdul Qadir, who took 4 for just 21 in 12 overs against New Zealand in 1983, preceded the greatest ODI debut by a Pakistani.
Best bowling points for Pakistan in ODIs
- Arafat Minhas – 5/32 against Australia in 2026
- Zakir Khan – 4/19 against New Zealand in 1984
- Abdul Khader – 4/21 against New Zealand in 1983
- Abrar Ahmed – 4/33 against Zimbabwe in 2024
- Sarbaraz Nawaz – 4/46 against New Zealand in 1973
Minhas began his historic spell with a prized scalp of Australia captain Inglis in the 14th over of the tour’s innings, during which he trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw.
He struck again in his next over, ducking all-rounder Cameron Green, while his fourth scalp came in the 27th over of Australia’s innings in the form of set batsman Matthew Short, who scored 55 off 76 balls.
The 21-year-old eventually picked up his fifth wicket in the penultimate delivery of his spell when he dismissed Nathan Ellis with an arm-ball.
His bowling exploits, supported by fellow spinners Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha, helped Pakistan bowl Australia out for a modest 200 in 44.1 overs in the series opener.
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