Arafat Minhas Says No Interest In Becoming Mohammad Nawaz Of Pakistan

Arafat Minhas Mohammad Nawaz for Pakistan. Image Credits: AFP

Arafat Minhas made an impressive debut in ODIs for Pakistan, as he starred with the ball against Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series in Rawalpindi on May 30, 2026. A new-look Australian team is facing a fresh Pakistan side in a three-ODI series, with the second and third matches to be played in Lahore on June 2 and 4, respectively.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan ODI captain, won the toss and chose to field first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Australia opened the innings with Matthew Short and Alex Carey, with captain Josh Inglis batting at no. 3.

Arafat Minhas’ five-for on ODI debut keeps Australia to 200; Pakistan wins by 5 wickets

The Australian team searched for momentum as Short made 55, but the introduction of left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas proved to be the doom for the Australian top and middle order.

Minhas, making his ODI debut, routed the Australian XI, as he picked the wickets of Short (55), Inglis (19), Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green (0 each). Though Matthew Renshaw (61) and Matthew Kuhnemann (24) pushed Australia to 200, Minhas’s 5/32 in 10 overs proved to be a master stroke.

In response, Babar Azam (69) and Ghazi Ghori (65) starred with the bat, as Pakistan reached the target in 42.5 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Arafat Minhas also made 18* runs to ensure Pakistan won as they lost a few quick wickets.

Also Read: Who Is Arafat Minhas? Pakistan's Rising All-Rounder Making ODI Debut vs Australia

Arafat Minhas says he is not interested in replacing anyone when asked about Mohammad Nawaz

Arafat Minhas, an all-rounder who made his ODI debut against Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, has answered to a query about his potential to replace fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the Pakistani lineup.

At a recent press conference, Minhas was questioned about if his strong debut would make him a possible alternative for Mohammad Nawaz and how he plans to deal with such difficulties in light of Nawaz's well-established position and years of service to the national team.

In a mature response, the left-arm spinner said that securing his spot in the team through reliable, game-winning performances is more important to him than replacing any player.

“I don’t want to replace anyone. I want to establish myself in the team as a permanent member and contribute match-winning performances for the side,” Minhas was quoted as saying by GeoSuperTV.

“I think in my past cricket as well—whether it was at the U19 level, Pakistan Shaheens, or wherever I got the opportunity—I always tried to deliver match-winning and impactful performances. And I believe I have been successful in doing that,” he stated.

Arafat Minhas scripts history

Meanwhile, Arafat Minhas’s 5/32 was a historic debut for Pakistan, as he became the first Pakistani bowler to take five wickets on his ODI debut. His performance was also the best debut bowling figures by a Pakistan player, breaking a 41-year-old record.

Before him, Zakir Khan had picked 4/19 against New Zealand in 1984 on his ODI debut, and Abdul Qadir had taken 4/21 against New Zealand on his ODI debut in 1983.

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