By Pervaiz Mughal
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan made a confident start to their three-match ODI series against Australia on Saturday, sealing a five-wicket win in Rawalpindi after an all-round performance shaped decisively by debutant Arafat Minhas and a composed middle-order stand between Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori.
Chasing a modest target of 201, the hosts reached the finish with 45 balls remaining, wrapping up the chase in controlled fashion after briefly wobbling early in the innings. A debut to remember belonged to Arafat Minhas, who earlier claimed a five-wicket haul before returning to strike the winning runs with a clean six, underlining a dream international introduction.
Pakistan’s pursuit began unevenly when Maaz Sadaqat fell for eight with only 25 runs on the board, edging one in the sixth over. Sahibzada Farhan attempted to steady the innings alongside Babar Azam, adding 24 for the second wicket, but his stay ended on 28 when Tanveer Sangha induced an error in judgment in the 13th over.
What followed was the defining passage of the chase. Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori rebuilt with patience and precision, absorbing pressure before gradually shifting momentum away from Australia’s bowlers. Their partnership of 127 for the third wicket effectively settled the contest, with both batters registering assured half-centuries and rotating strike fluently on a surface that rewarded application more than flair.
Australia eventually broke through in the 39th over when Nathan Ellis dismissed Babar for 69, the Pakistan captain having anchored the innings with characteristic control. Ellis struck again almost immediately, removing Ghori for 65, briefly reviving Australian hopes.
