RAWALPINDI: Arafat Minhas described his five-wicket haul on debut as a moment to cherish after the young spinner played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s five-wicket victory over Australia in the country’s landmark 1,000th One-day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The 21-year-old left-arm spinner became the first Pakistan bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on ODI debut, returning figures of 5-32 as Australia were bundled out for 200 before Pakistan chased down the target with ease to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“It has its own feeling when it’s your debut match,” Arafat told reporters after being named player of the match. “It was also Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI, so there was happiness attached to that as well. My own performance was very good and the team won the match, so we enjoyed both achievements.

“Playing 1,000 ODIs is a huge achievement because only three teams in the world have reached that mark.”

Having been introduced after Australia reached 51-1, Arafat transformed the contest with a devastating spell that removed captain Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in quick succession before later dismissing Matthew Short and Nathan Ellis.

The youngster credited the conditions for assisting Pakistan’s spin attack after captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to bowl first.

“There was a lot of heat and dryness in the first innings, which helped the spinners,” Arafat said. “As the night comes and the lights take effect, the behaviour of the pitch changes a little. That was one of the reasons we chose to bowl first after winning the toss. The conditions suited the spinners.”

Arafat said he had focused on enjoying the occasion rather than burdening himself with expectations.

“You try to manifest good things but I didn’t specifically think that I had to take five wickets,” he noted. “When you are under pressure, you have to stick to the basics and play your natural game. I enjoyed the moment as much as possible and that helped me control the pressure.”

The spinner, who has emerged through Pakistan’s age-group and Pakistan Shaheens pathways, also paid tribute to his family and support system.

“My parents deserve a lot of credit because their backing is very important for any cricketer,” he said. “My coaches and the people around me have also helped me a lot. I cannot name one person because many people have contributed to my journey.”

Arafat insisted he was not looking to replace anyone in the national side despite comparisons with experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz.

“I don’t want to replace anyone,” he said. “I want to create my own place in the team and become a permanent member. Wherever I have played, I have tried to produce impactful and match-winning performances.”

Australia batter Matt Renshaw, who top-scored with 61, was full of praise for the spinner after watching him dismantle the middle order.

“Pakistan spinners are always quality, so it’s not a surprise to see someone come in and do really well,” Renshaw said. “They always produce good spinners and good quicks.

“To get a five-for on debut is pretty special. It was challenging when I went out there. Obviously he did really well and took the wickets early.”

Renshaw admitted Australia’s early collapse proved costly despite half-centuries from himself and Short.

“When you’re four down early it makes it really difficult to try and build a score,” he said. “We built a couple of really good partnerships, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough today. We did what we could with what we had but it wasn’t enough.”

Pakistan eventually completed the chase with 45 balls remaining, thanks largely to a 127-run third-wicket partnership between Babar Azam and wicket-keeper-batter Ghazi Ghori, whose half-century complemented Arafat’s memorable all-round contribution on a day of young heroes for the hosts.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2026