Pakistan vs Australia Match Highlights & Results

Adios - That wraps up a fairly one-sided contest, with Pakistan drawing first blood in the series. The action now shifts from Rawalpindi to Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium, where the Men in Green will be aiming to wrap up the series, while Australia will be eager to bounce back and level things up. The second ODI is scheduled for Tuesday, 2nd June, at 11.30 pm GMT. As always, do join us ahead of the game for all the build-up and pre-match coverage. Until then, goodbye and take care!

The victorious skipper of Pakistan - Shaheen Afridi says the plan was always to bowl first, pointing to a practice match ahead of the series where the ball was gripping sharply for the spinners early on and was coming nicely under the lights as well. About Minhas' dream debut, he then shares a warm moment, saying he spotted Arafat Minhas' parents in the stands making videos of their son. Expresses that it made him really happy. He says he understands exactly what parents feel watching their child make a debut. On Ghazi Ghori's knock, Shaheen mentions that his preparation has been very good, calling him a quality player of both spin and pace, and signs off by saying the future looks bright for Pakistan with talents like him coming through.

The captain of Australia - Josh Inglis, on the total, concedes that it was probably not enough, noting that they were put in on a surface that offered the spinners some assistance. He feels the team made a real fist of it in the second innings and made Pakistan work hard, but looking back, another 30 or 40 runs could have made it a very different game. On the spinners, Inglis is full of praise for Tanveer Sangha and Kuhnemann, saying they were outstanding in the way they varied their pace, adjusted their fields and stuck to their plans, making Pakistan work hard for every run. About the younger players stepping up in the absence of seniors, he calls it one of the positives to take away, saying they responded well to the opportunity, particularly with the ball. And then, with a smile, he addresses the tips he has been receiving from Marnus Labuschagne, who has a pretty good PSL experience to draw on. He says he has had plenty of information from Marnus so far on this tour, and jokes that perhaps less would be more. He then shifts focus to what lies ahead, saying he is looking forward to heading to Lahore and expects a very good wicket down there.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Undoubtedly, Arafat Minhas wins the award for his fifer on debut. He also played a cameo of unbeaten 18 runs and hit the winning runs as well. About whether there was any pressure in his debut game, Minhas admits that there is always some pressure, but adds that his confidence from the PSL experience helped him a lot. He says he simply tried to soak in the environment and enjoy the occasion, adding that the basics never change regardless of conditions. Credits the pre-series camp in Lahore for giving the squad the preparation edge they needed. On his father watching from the sidelines, Minhas says it must have been a proud moment for him, as playing for Pakistan was his father's dream too, and he is certain he (his father) enjoyed every bit of it.

Presentation Time...

Not enough runs to defend - Australia gave it everything they had but simply did not have enough runs on the board to truly challenge Pakistan. That said, taking the game beyond 40 overs is a positive they can carry into the remaining matches, especially in unfamiliar conditions. The spin duo of Matthew Kuhnemann and Tanveer Sangha struck early to give Australia some hope, but they were unable to build sustained pressure. A crucial partnership in the middle overs effectively took the game away from them. Nathan Ellis managed to remove both set batters, while Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with a wicket late on, but by then the result was all but decided. Defending a total of 200 was always going to be a tough task, and Australia ultimately fell short.

Arafat Minhas stars on dream debut - Earlier in the game, Australia had no answers to Pakistan's spin attack and were bundled out for a modest 200. The only real resistance came from Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw, who both battled hard for gritty half-centuries, while the rest of the batting line-up struggled to get going on a challenging surface. For Pakistan, debutant Arafat Minhas stole the show with a sensational five-wicket haul. Abrar Ahmed picked up a couple of wickets, while Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf chipped in with one each to complete a superb all-round bowling performance.

Hosts ease to the finish line - Despite losing an early wicket, Pakistan never seemed under any real pressure during the chase. While the openers failed to make a significant impact, Babar Azam anchored the innings beautifully with his experience. He took his time to settle into the conditions before putting together a crucial 127-run partnership with Ghazi Ghori. Both batters brought up well-crafted half-centuries but were dismissed in the 60s. Their stand had already taken Pakistan within touching distance of the target, and Arafat Minhas completed the job comfortably without any late drama, fittingly hitting the winning runs on his memorable debut.

Pakistan draw first blood - Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series with a commanding all-round display. It was a thoroughly professional performance from the hosts, who outplayed Australia in every department. The Men in Green were simply too good in this series opener, with both bat and ball firing at the right moments. Australia, meanwhile, have plenty to ponder and will need a much-improved showing in the remaining matches if they are to turn the series around.

Marnus Labuschagne to Arafat Minhas, Six!SIX! Minhas finishes off in style. A dominant, all-round performance from the hosts, who outplayed Australia in every department. And the timing could not have been more perfect, as this victory comes in Pakistan's 1000th ODI, making it a lot more special. A pretty poetic end to the game, as Minhas picked up a five-for with the ball, and hit the winning runs as well, quite fittingly to end a very memorable ODI debut for him. Flatter, on off, Arafat Minhas stays in his crease, gets a bit crouched and powers it downtown and over long on for a biggie.

Marnus Labuschagne to Abdul Samad, 1 run.A full toss, on off, Abdul Samad drills it to mid off. A misfield allows the batters to collect a single.

Abdul Samad is the new batter in for Pakistan, at number 7. Just a matter of a hit, then. Let's see who hits the winning runs.

Marnus Labuschagne to Salman Agha, OUT! lbw b Marnus Labuschagne.OUT! LBW! Marnus Labuschagne gets a wicket upon his return. He bowls it straight, targeting the stumps on a fuller length. Salman Agha gets low and looks to sweep it, but plays all over it and misses. The ball goes on to strike his pads. A loud appeal goes about for LBW, and the finger goes up almost instantly. Salman Agha does not bother to refer to this one as it looks dead straight. He walks back with Pakistan needing just 6 runs to win.

Marnus Labuschagne is brought back on. 1-0-8-0 so far.

Matt Renshaw to Arafat Minhas, Four!FOUR! Spoils the over! Matt Renshaw errs his line down leg, Arafat Minhas gets low and sweeps it past short fine leg for a boundary. Just 6 runs needed now.

Matt Renshaw to Arafat Minhas, No run.Quicker, on off, Arafat Minhas eases it to the right of the bowler.

Matt Renshaw to Arafat Minhas, No run.Slows it up, on leg, Arafat Minhas blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Matt Renshaw to Arafat Minhas, No run.Fired in, on leg, Arafat Minhas blocks it to the on side.

Matt Renshaw to Arafat Minhas, No run.Too full, on off, Arafat Minhas digs it back to the bowler.

Matt Renshaw to Arafat Minhas, No run.Nice and full, on leg, Arafat Minhas flicks it towards the mid-wicket fielder.

Nathan Ellis to Salman Agha, No run.Hard length, on middle, Salman Agha flicks it to mid-wicket.

Nathan Ellis to Salman Agha, 2 runs.That would have been close if Josh Inglis had collected the ball cleanly. Hard length, on middle and leg, Salman Agha works it through mid-wicket and calls for two. Salman is struggling to get back for the second and seeing that, the fielder throws it towards Josh Inglis, who fails to collect the ball and dislodges the stumps with his gloves.

Nathan Ellis to Salman Agha, Four!FOUR! Beautiful shot to get off the mark! Nathan Ellis goes full, on middle and leg, Salman Agha leans on and flicks it in the gap through mid-wicket for a boundary.

The next batter in is Salman Agha.

Nathan Ellis to Ghazi Ghori, OUT! lbw b Nathan Ellis.OUT! LBW! Ellis has his second wicket, which ends Ghazi's excellent knock. He is gutted that he couldn't get the job done for his team. A slower one, on a length, on leg, and it keeps low. Ghazi Ghori stays back and looks to pull it, but is months early and misses to connect, wearing it on his pads. The Aussies appeal as one for LBW and the finger goes up straightaway. Ghazi Ghori goes upstairs to have a check. UltraEdge shows a flat line, and Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball crashing into the leg stump. The on-field decision stands. Pakistan are 185/4, and they just need 16 runs now.

Nathan Ellis to Arafat Minhas, 1 run.Back of a length, on off, Arafat Minhas punches it to point for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Arafat Minhas, Four!FOUR! Arafat Minhas looks in a hurry now! Good length, just outside off, Arafat Minhas stays back and pumps it over the left of the bowler for a boundary down the ground.

Powerplay 3! Australia are now allowed to have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the inner ring for the rest of the innings. Pakistan are at an arm's distance from taking the lead in the series. They need 21 runs to win from 60 balls. Nathan Ellis (6-0-34-1) continues.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Arafat Minhas, 1 run.Flatter, full and on middle, Arafat Minhas works it through squae leg for one.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Drags his length back, on off, Ghazi Ghori guides it towards point and sets off for the run. He has to put in a dive but the throw needed to be better.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Short again and on off, turns away, Ghazi Ghori pushes it towards cover.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Arafat Minhas, 1 run.A bit short and on middle, turns in, Arafat Minhas clips it through square leg for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Arafat Minhas, No run.Flighted, full and on middle, Arafat Minhas turns it to the leg side.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Arafat Minhas, No run.Floated, full and on middle, Arafat Minhas tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Change? Nah. Matthew Kuhnemann (9-1-26-1) will bowl out.

Nathan Ellis to Arafat Minhas, 1 run.Short of a length and outside off, Arafat Minhas cuts it away to deep point for one.

Nathan Ellis to Arafat Minhas, No run.A low full toss around off, Arafat Minhas drills it straight to short cover.

Nathan Ellis to Arafat Minhas, No run.Pitched up and on middle, Arafat Minhas knocks it back to the bowler.

Nathan Ellis to Arafat Minhas, No run.Fuller and on middle and leg, Arafat Minhas turns it to the leg side.

The 127-run partnership is finally broken. But it's kind of too little, too late for Australia at this point. Arafat Minhas, the debutant and the star with the ball earlier, walks in at number 5.

Nathan Ellis to Babar Azam, OUT! b Nathan Ellis.OUT! CASTLED! Nathan Ellis strikes but that won't matter much here. He bowls the off-cutter, lands this on a good length around off, and gets it to nip back in very sharply, but the ball keeps very low. Babar Azam gets stuck in his crease and looks to cut it away, but gets cramped for room and misses it, and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. Babar is undone by the lack of bounce and has a smile on his face, but has to walk back after playing a fine knock for his country. Pakistan are 176/3, needing just 25 more runs to win.

Nathan Ellis to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Back of a length and on off, Ghazi Ghori runs it to deep third for a single.

Pakistan need 26 runs to win from 72 balls. And Nathan Ellis (5-0-32-0) is back on, replacing Marnus Labuschagne.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.A bit short and around off, Ghazi Ghori pushes it towards short cover for one.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, Four!FOUR! Excellent shot! A half-tracker, on middle, Ghazi Ghori rocks back and heaves it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Slower through the air, full and on middle, Ghazi Ghori fends it away.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, 1 run.Dragged down, around off, turns away and keeps low, Babar Azam forces it down to long on for another run.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Flighted, full and on middle, Ghazi Ghori eases it to long on for a run.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Lovely bowling! Floated, short and on off, turns away with bounce, Ghazi Ghori moves back to play but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Matthew Kuhnemann (8-1-19-1) replaces Tanveer Sangha. Pakistan need 33 runs from 78 balls.

Marnus Labuschagne to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Had to hurry! Slows it up, short and on leg, Ghazi Ghori glances it towards short fine leg, and sets off for the run. The fielder throws it to the batter's end, where the keeper, Inglis, takes the bails off, but Babar has made his ground. The replay confirms the same.

Marnus Labuschagne to Babar Azam, 1 run.Full and around off, Babar Azam drives it to left of cover for a single.

Marnus Labuschagne to Babar Azam, 2 runs.Flatter, full and on off, Babar Azam drives it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Marnus Labuschagne to Babar Azam, Four!FOUR! Nice shot! Showing some urgency now to finish it off. Flighted, full and around off, Babar Azam goes inside out and lofts it beautifully over extra covers for a boundary.

Marnus Labuschagne to Babar Azam, No run.Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam defends it on the front foot.

Marnus Labuschagne to Babar Azam, No run.Tossed up, full and on off, Babar Azam strides out and steers it towards point.

More spin deployed. Marnus Labuschagne is brought into the attack.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Flatter, full and on middle, Ghazi Ghori knocks it down the pitch, where Tanveer Sangha dives to his right to make the stop.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, 2 runs.Slightly shorter in length, on middle, Ghazi Ghori flicks it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Flighted, full and on off, Ghazi Ghori taps it to the off side.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, 1 run.A bit short and on middle, Babar Azam nudges it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Floated, short and outside off, Babar Azam cuts it to point.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Tossed up, full and on middle, Ghazi Ghori drives it towards long off for a single.

Matt Renshaw to Babar Azam, Six!SIX! All the way! Flighted up, on off, Babar Azam takes a step forward and launches it over long on for a biggie. First six for Babar. In fact, the first biggie in Pakistan's entire innings so far.

Matt Renshaw to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Short, on off, Ghazi Ghori punches it to cover for a single. This brings the 150 up for Pakistan!

Matt Renshaw to Ghazi Ghori, Four!MISFIELD AND FOUR! Maiden ODI fifty up for Ghazi Ghori! This also brings up the 100-run partnership between this duo. Full, on middle, Ghazi Ghori gets low and sweeps it through square leg. The fielder, Matthew Kuhnemann, runs to his left but fails to stop it. Gets both his hands on it, but it deflects and the ball races away to the fence eventually. Ghazi raises his bat calmly and soaks in all the applause from the crowd and his teammates who give him a standing ovation.

Matt Renshaw to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Fired in, outside off, Ghazi Ghori looks to drive it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but the impact was outside the line.

Matt Renshaw to Ghazi Ghori, Four!FOUR! Ghazi Ghori moves to 48 now! Matt Renshaw errs his line. A round-arm delivery sprayed down leg, Ghazi Ghori gets low and sweeps it very fine, through short fine leg as the ball races away.

Matt Renshaw to Babar Azam, 1 run.Too full, on leg, Babar Azam helps it to short fine leg for a single.

DRINKS! Pakistan are cruising along now in the chase. Babar Azam has notched up a fine fifty, while Ghazi Ghori is nearing his own milestone as well. This game is dying a slow death for Australia, and the miracle they need looks increasingly unlikely. It is no longer a question of if, but when one of these two decides to put the foot down and pull the plug. Matt Renshaw will bowl after the break.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Quicker, on leg, Ghazi Ghori blocks it to the right of the bowler. 61 runs needed from 96 balls now.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Short, on middle, Ghazi Ghori eases it to the point fielder.

Tanveer Sangha to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Fired in, full and on middle, Ghazi Ghori blocks it to mid off.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, 1 run.Tanveer Sangha keeps it short, on off, Babar Azam slaps it through cover-point for a run.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Short, turning in, Babar Azam makes room and slaps it to the cover fielder.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Too full, on leg, Babar Azam blocks it to the on side.

Matthew Short to Babar Azam, 1 run.Drags his length back, on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to square leg for another single.

Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Tossed up, on leg, Ghazi Ghori turns it to square leg for a single.

Matthew Short to Babar Azam, 1 run.Dropped! That should have been taken. Tossed up, slower through the air, short and around off. Babar rocks back and tries to muscle it through the leg side, but the ball turns in sharply and he doesn't have the room he needs to execute the shot he is looking for. Ends up flat-batting it to the right of mid off. The fielder, Matthew Kuhnemann, dives to his right, extends both hands ahead to grab it, but grasses it. Babar takes the single and keeps riding on the luck as well.

Matthew Short to Babar Azam, No run.Much fuller, on off, Babar Azam blocks it to the right of the keeper.

Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Nice and full, on leg, Ghazi Ghori turns it to the on side for a quick single.

Matthew Short to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Flatter, turning in, Ghazi Ghori looks to punch it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Dot.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Fired in, on leg, Babar Azam blocks it back to the right of the bowler.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Too full, on off, Babar Azam taps it to the cover fielder.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.That's a huge turn! This is the leg break that lands on off and turns away sharply. Babar Azam leans on and looks to block it, but misses as the ball flirts past the outside edge, and Josh Inglis collects the ball and celebrates while appealing for caught behind. The umpire is unmoved, though. Australia send it upstairs to have a check, and Ultra Edge shows a flat line when the ball is next to the bat. The on-field decision stands NOT OUT!

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Short, on middle and leg, Babar Azam blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Too full, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to the cover fielder.

Tanveer Sangha to Babar Azam, No run.Much fuller, on off, Babar Azam taps it to the cover fielder.

Tanveer Sangha replaces Billy Stanlake.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Sliding in, on leg, Ghazi Ghori looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls to the left of the keeper. Dot.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Short, on off, Ghazi Ghori punches it to point.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, 1 run.A big roar from the Rawalpindi crowd as Babar Azam gets to his FIFTY! Nice and full, on off, Babar Azam taps it to short cover for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. That's his 38th ODI fifty as well. He has batted pretty conservatively, but has ensured that he doesn't throw his wicket. Will like to get the job done now.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Short, on middle, Ghazi Ghori gets down on one knee and turns it to backward square leg for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, 3 runs.Slows it up, on middle, Babar Azam picks it well and scoops it over short fine leg. Matt Renshaw has a long chase to do, which he does and pulls the ball back in just before the fence. The batters collect three comfortable runs.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Babar Azam, No run.Fired in, full and on leg, Babar Azam lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

This partnership has developed very nicely for the hosts and is taking Pakistan to the finish line. Ghori has batted impressively and Babar just going about his business. After 30 overs, Pakistan are 130/2. At the same stage, Australia were 140/5. Change? Yes. Matthew Kuhnemann (7-1-14-1) is back into the attack. Pakistan need 71 runs from 120 balls.

Billy Stanlake to Ghazi Ghori, No run.Nearly found the edge! Changes the angle and comes from around the stumps. Hits the hard length, angling it across the batter, Ghazi Ghori tries to run it behind to deep third, but the ball whistles past the bat.

Billy Stanlake to Babar Azam, 1 run.Bangs it short and on off, Babar Azam plays close to the body, punches it between mid off and cover for a quick run.

Billy Stanlake to Babar Azam, No run.Slams the pitch hard, around off, Babar Azam controls the pull shot, hitting it on the bounce to the square leg fielder.

Billy Stanlake to Ghazi Ghori, 1 run.Jags back in on top of middle, on a good length. Ghazi Ghori backs away and dabs it to feep third for a single.