Pakistan produced a commanding performance in Rawalpindi to defeat Australia in an ODI dominated by debutant spinner Arafat Minhas and a dramatic Australian batting collapse.

The match, initially framed around teenage batter Ollie Peake becoming Australia’s youngest ODI debutant since Ricky Ponting, quickly shifted in Pakistan’s favour as the home side exploited spin-friendly conditions.

Australia’s top and middle order crumbled early, with key wickets falling in quick succession, including Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green.

The visitors struggled to build partnerships on a pitch that offered sharp turn and low bounce, a familiar challenge for touring sides in the subcontinent.Minhas, playing his first ODI, delivered a sensational spell of 5-32, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to take a five-wicket haul on debut.His variations in pace and turn repeatedly unsettled Australia’s batters, including dismissals built on deception and sharp spin.

Peake, batting lower down the order at number seven, faced a difficult introduction to international cricket and was dismissed for seven after edging a cut shot.Australia’s innings briefly stabilised through Matt Short and Matt Renshaw, who added useful runs but failed to shift momentum decisively.Renshaw later reflected on the difficulty of batting after early wickets, suggesting a competitive total would have been in the 250–260 range.However, Australia were bowled out cheaply, leaving Pakistan a modest chase.

In response, Australia’s bowlers briefly threatened through early wickets, reducing Pakistan to 2-49, but Babar Azam anchored the innings with 69 runs, while Ghazi Gori contributed 65 in a crucial partnership.Despite a few Australian reprieves in the field, Pakistan maintained control and eventually reached the target with more than seven overs remaining.

Minhas fittingly sealed the match with a six, capping a debut that overshadowed Peake’s historic appearance and secured a comprehensive five-wicket win for Pakistan.