PAK vs AUS- 1st ODI, 30th May 2026- Pakistan Outclass Australia by 5 Wickets in 1st ODI at Rawalpindi

Australia Collapse After Promising Start

Australia's innings never truly gained momentum despite a solid effort from Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors lost Alex Carey early for 19 as Abrar Ahmed struck the first blow.

Matthew Short played a patient knock of 55 runs from 76 balls, while Matt Renshaw top-scored with 61 runs from 63 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six. However, Australia's middle order collapsed dramatically as Pakistan's spin attack took control.

The turning point came through Arafat Minhas, who delivered a career-best spell of 5 wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs. The young spinner dismantled Australia's batting lineup, removing Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matthew Short, and Nathan Ellis.

Abrar Ahmed also played a crucial supporting role with figures of 2/44, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket each. Australia were eventually bowled out for just 200 runs in 44.1 overs.

Australia Innings Highlights
Matt Renshaw: 61 (63)
Matthew Short: 55 (76)
Alex Carey: 19 (24)
Arafat Minhas: 5/32
Abrar Ahmed: 2/44
Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori Anchor Pakistan Chase

Pakistan's chase started steadily but not without setbacks. Maaz Sadaqat departed early for 8, followed by Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 28 runs before falling to Tanveer Sangha.

The match was then controlled by an excellent partnership between former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori. The duo added valuable runs and ensured there was no pressure on the middle order.

Babar Azam once again showcased his class with a composed 69 runs off 94 balls, striking four boundaries and one six. Ghazi Ghori matched him stroke for stroke, scoring a superb 65 runs from 92 deliveries with eight boundaries.

Australia managed to create brief hope when Nathan Ellis removed both Babar and Ghori, but Arafat Minhas continued his outstanding all-round performance with an unbeaten 18 off 17 balls. Pakistan crossed the finish line comfortably with 45 balls remaining.

Pakistan Innings Highlights
Babar Azam: 69 (94)
Ghazi Ghori: 65 (92)
Sahibzada Farhan: 28 (33)
Arafat Minhas: 18* (17)
Arafat Minhas Named Player of the Match

Arafat Minhas was undoubtedly the star of the contest. His remarkable bowling figures of 5/32 restricted Australia to a below-par total, and he later contributed an unbeaten 18 runs to guide Pakistan home.

His all-round display proved decisive and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Key Moments of the Match
Australia slumped from 123/4 to 200 all out.
Arafat Minhas claimed five crucial wickets.
Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori stitched together a match-winning partnership.
Pakistan chased 201 with 7.3 overs to spare.
The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
Match Summary

Australia: 200 all out in 44.1 overs
(Matt Renshaw 61, Matthew Short 55; Arafat Minhas 5/32)

Pakistan: 202/5 in 42.3 overs
(Babar Azam 69, Ghazi Ghori 65; Nathan Ellis 2/45)

Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets.

Pakistan will take plenty of confidence from this dominant performance as they move into the second ODI with a 1-0 advantage, while Australia will need a stronger batting display to level the series.