RAWALPINDI: Former Australia opener David Warner has praised Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas after the youngster produced a brilliant performance on his One-Day International debut against Australia in Rawalpindi.
Warner took to social media following Pakistan’s victory in the opening match of the three-match series, sharing a photograph of Minhas on his Instagram story and congratulating him on the achievement.
“Well done legend,” Warner wrote, applauding the 20-year-old’s outstanding display.
The recognition came after Minhas starred with the ball to help Pakistan secure a five-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Historic debut performance
Minhas enjoyed a dream start to his ODI career, producing one of the finest debut bowling performances in Pakistan’s history.
The left-arm spinner claimed five wickets for 32 runs in his full allocation of 10 overs, dismantling Australia’s batting line-up with a disciplined and composed spell.
His victims included Josh Inglis, Matt Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Nathan Ellis.
The performance made Minhas the first Pakistani bowler to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.
He also surpassed the previous national record for best bowling figures on debut, previously held by Zakir Khan, who took four wickets in his first ODI appearance in 1984.
Minhas’s remarkable spell helped bowl Australia out for 200 in 42.3 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan chased down the target of 201 with relative ease, reaching 204-5 in 42.3 overs.
Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed 69 from 94 deliveries, striking four boundaries and one six.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghauri also impressed with a fluent 65 off 92 balls, hitting eight fours during a match-winning knock.
Opener Sahibzada Farhan contributed 28 runs, while Maaz Sadaqat scored eight and captain Salman Ali Agha added six.
Minhas capped a memorable debut by remaining unbeaten on 18 as Pakistan completed the chase in the 43rd over.
