Debutant Arafat Minhas produced a memorable bowling performance, claiming four key wickets to put Pakistan in control against Australia in the opening match of the three-match ODI series as the hosts celebrated their 1,000th One-Day International on Saturday.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the national side reached the landmark of 1,000 ODIs, becoming only the third team in world cricket to achieve the feat after India and Australia.

The home side’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines from the outset and kept the Australian batting lineup under pressure.

Australia suffered an early setback when opener Alex Carey was dismissed for 19 by spinner Abrar Ahmed.

The standout performer, however, was young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who made an immediate impact in his ODI debut.

Minhas struck first by trapping Australian captain Josh Inglis lbw for 13 before removing Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green for ducks, leaving Australia struggling against Pakistan’s disciplined attack.

He then claimed his fourth wicket when opener Matthew Short, after reaching a half-century, was stumped off a turning delivery in the 27th over.

Earlier, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram presented Minhas with his ODI cap ahead of the match, while teammates and support staff congratulated the youngster on his international debut.

Pakistan are being led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Salman Ali Agha serving as vice-captain.

The playing XI includes Sahibzada Farhan, Moaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed among others.

Australia are captained by Josh Inglis, while Alex Carey, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Tanveer Sangha and Billy Stanlake are part of the touring side’s lineup.

The match carries added historical significance as Pakistan became the third nation to complete 1,000 ODIs. India were the first team to reach the milestone in February 2022 against the West Indies, while Australia became the second side to do so.

A friendly pre-match gesture also highlighted the occasion, with the Australian team manager visiting Pakistan’s dressing room to extend Eid-ul-Adha greetings. Officials from both teams exchanged gifts ahead of the contest.

The Rawalpindi fixture is the first match of the three-game series, with the remaining two ODIs scheduled to be played in Lahore on June 2 and June 4.