Pakistan achieved a comprehensive five-wicket victory over Australia in the opening match of the One-Day International (ODI) series. Propelled by a dominant bowling performance from Arafat Minhas alongside half-centuries from Babar Azam and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, the host nation successfully chased down the target to secure a 1-0 lead in the series.
Australian Innings and Middle-Order Collapse
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field first. Australia started their innings constructively, capitalising on the initial powerplay phase to reach 51 runs for the loss of a single wicket within the opening ten overs.
However, the momentum shifted quickly as the Pakistani bowling unit initiated a rapid turnaround. Within the space of 16 overs, the Australian batting order suffered a significant collapse, losing three quick wickets while adding only 17 runs to move from a stable position to a precarious 68 for 4.
A recovery was staged during the middle overs by Matt Short, who compiled a patient innings of 55 runs from 76 deliveries, and Matt Renshaw, who injected momentum into the score by contributing 61 runs off 63 balls. Their partnership guided Australia past the 150-run milestone in the 33rd over. Nevertheless, Arafat Minhas dismantled the middle and lower order, finishing with exceptional figures of 5 wickets for 32 runs across his 10-over spell. Australia were ultimately bowled out for 200 runs in 44.1 overs.
Combined Match Summary
| Innings Team | Total Runs | Allotted / Faced Overs | Leading Individual Performers |
| Australia | 200 (All Out) | 44.1 | Matt Renshaw (61), Matt Short (55); Arafat Minhas (5-32) |
| Pakistan | 202/5 | 42.3 | Babar Azam (69), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (65); Nathan Ellis (2-45) |
Pakistan’s Successful Run Chase
In reply, Pakistan maintained a steady scoring rate during their mandatory powerplay, reaching 41 runs for the loss of one wicket. Following the early breakthrough, a vital 100-run partnership between Babar Azam and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori consolidated Pakistan’s position and put them in firm control of the match.
Babar anchored the innings with a composed 69 runs from 94 balls, whilst Ghori registered a critical half-century, scoring 65 runs off 92 deliveries. Although Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis claimed two wickets for 45 runs to apply late pressure, the home side remained largely untroubled. Pakistan reached 202 for 5 in 42.3 overs to comfortably secure the win.