HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Australia, Australia in Pakistan 3 ODI Series 2026, 1st ODI- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back to Pakistan's reply with the bat. The lights have taken to full effect in Rawalpindi with a bit of a breeze sweeping across the ground. Australia's bowlers have their work cut out as the tourists spread across the park to take their positions. The right-hand, left-hand opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat walk to the crease. Farhan is set to face the first ball and it will be Nathan Ellis to open the attack for Australia. One slip in place. Here we go again...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

A big challenge for the Aussie bowlers - Australia's vulnerability against spin was laid bare once again in the subcontinent, with eight of their wickets falling to the turning ball, including ducks from Green and Labuschagne. There was some inexperience in the batting unit, no doubt, but the bigger headache now belongs to their bowlers, who must defend a modest total. To make matters worse, dew is expected to creep in under the lights, and when that happens in this part of the world, chasing becomes a whole lot easier. With Pakistan's batting restocked with the experience of the likes of Babar, the hosts would feel it is their game to lose. However, Australia won't make it that easy for them as they do have the weapons in their armoury to put on a stern challenge. Back in a bit with the run chase. Stay tuned.

A quick word from the debutant - Arafat Minhas (10-1-32-5) is all smiles as he walks to have a chat with the broadcaster. On his performance on ODI debut, he says that he always tries to enjoy playing cricket. He says he wanted to make the most of the opportunity on debut and leave an impact, and is happy that things went his way. On his bowling approach, Minhas says the preparation has been in the works for a long time with these kinds of conditions in mind, and that helped enormously on the day. He keeps the plans simple, saying the idea was to assess the surface quickly and bowl accordingly, and is pleased that the execution followed through. On the target of 201, he calls it a collective effort from the whole team and says the chase is challenging but very much on. He believes one or two good partnerships could be the difference, and backs Pakistan to get there.

Tough grind through the middle phase - Australia needed someone to stand tall in the eye of the spin storm, and Matthew Short answered the call. He ground his way to a watchful fifty while Renshaw held firm from the other end, the two stitching together a 55-run stand that steadied the ship. But Minhas came back to end it, dismissing Short and leaving Australia at 145/6, with Renshaw the last recognised batter standing. Renshaw handled the spin expertly for as long as he was there, grinding his way to a well-earned fifty. But Abrar ended his vigil, and with him went Australia's last real resistance as the innings collapsed in a hurry. Kuhnemann chipped in usefully at the death to help Australia scrape to 200, but on a sluggish surface, it still looks like a below-average score at best.

Bright start turned into a downward spiral - Australia started cautiously and sensibly enough, with Carey and Short seeing off the new-ball threat on a slow, low surface. The seamers found a bit of help, and for a while, the tourists looked like they had read the conditions well. Then the spinners came on, and everything unravelled in a hurry. Abrar drew first blood by breaking the opening stand, but it was debutant Arafat Minhas who really twisted the knife, rattling off three quick wickets to send Australia into a tailspin. From a relatively comfortable 62/1, they found themselves sliding at 68/4 before they could catch their breath. Short, to his credit, kept his head while those around him lost theirs, picking his way through the spin quartet with patience and a steady eye on a pitch offering plenty of grip.

Pakistan boss it up with the ball - A comprehensive bowling display from Pakistan. Rather, very disciplined as well and Shaheen Afridi has his men in a huddle to soak it all in. They made life uncomfortable for the Australians at every turn, and leading the charge was a 21-year-old debutant Arafat Minhas, who capped a spectacular debut with a memorable five-wicket haul. A sorry batting card for Australia. Short and Renshaw both chipped in with fifties, but beyond that pair, there was precious little resistance as the rest of the order crumbled against the Pakistani spin barrage.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, OUT! TAKEN! Haris Rauf wraps things up here. Australia have been bowled out for exactly 200. Rauf comes around the wicket, serves this full at 123.1 kph, cleverly changing the pace of the ball, and angles it into the leg side as well. Matthew Kuhnemann backs away and tries to play at it with hard hands, but gets completely deceived by the lack of pace. He ends up just chipping it in the air, and Babar Azam from short mid-wicket runs to his right to take a dolly.

Haris Rauf (5-0-24-0) is back on. How long can this last Aussie batting pair survive? Let's see...

Shaheen Afridi to Billy Stanlake, Low full toss, on middle, shaping in the air, Billy Stanlake misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW, but turned down. Clearly missing leg, that one.

Australia are now at the risk of being bowled out well before their quota of 50 overs. Billy Stanlake is the last batter in at the crease.

Shaheen Afridi to Tanveer Sangha, OUT! BOWLED'EM! You miss, I hit says Shaheen Afridi. He goes much fuller and on off at 135.2 kph, tails away a bit this time. Tanveer Sangha looks to drive it away, but plays all over it due to the late movement as the ball goes through to rattle into the base of the off pole. First wicket for the Pakistani skipper and Australia are 200/9 now.

Shaheen Afridi to Tanveer Sangha, Nails the yorker this time, on off, tailing in a bit, Tanveer Sangha is late to get his bat down and misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Tanveer Sangha, Pithched up and around off, Tanveer Sangha guides it with an angled bat wide of point, where Shadab Khan dives to his right to make the stop.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, Fuller and angling into the leg side, Matthew Kuhnemann drills it down to long on for a single. 200 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Kuhnemann, A wide yorker, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann opens the bat face to steer it away but fails to connect.

Arafat Minhas to Tanveer Sangha, Sangha adjusts nicely to dab the short ball to the off side. A fine, fine spell from Arafat Minhas on debut. A wicket-maiden from Minhas and he finishes off with exceptional bowling figures reading 10-1-32-5.

Special moment for Arafat Minhas as he picks up five on debut. Tanveer Sangha walks out to bat now.

Arafat Minhas to Nathan Ellis, OUT! BOWLED! And that's the five-for for Arafat Minhas. According to the on-air commentators, he becomes the first-ever Pakistani male bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul on his ODI debut. Keeps it stump-to-stump again, a touch shorter this time and around off. The ball skids through quickly off the deck. Ellis backs away to cut but is rushed by the pace, the ball beats the angled bat as the ball crashes into the off stump. A dream debut for the left-arm spinner, one to cherish forever. All the wickets so far have fallen to spin and Australia are 199/8.

Arafat Minhas to Nathan Ellis, At 86 kph, on a length, on middle and leg. Nathan Ellis is hurried to pull, but plays off the cue end and the ball keeps rolling on the pitch.

Arafat Minhas to Nathan Ellis, Keeps the stumps in play, on a length, on off. Ellis backs away and punches it to short over.

Arafat Minhas to Nathan Ellis, Drops fuller, on middle, Ellis leans on to block.

Arafat Minhas to Nathan Ellis, Spins away from off, on a length, Ellis eases it into the off side.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Flighted ball, full on off, Ellis lets it dip and drives it along the ground to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Had to hurry! The length is pulled back outside off. Matthew Kuhnemann knocks it down to the right of cover and sets off for a quick single. The fielder dives to get to it but the throw back is slightly off, forcing the keeper to drag it into the wickets, and that split-second delay is enough for Ellis to get home safely.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, A bit roud-armish, short on middle. Blocked off the back foot.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, On the shorter side, on the stumps. Ellis drags it across to long on for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Pushed across and short around off at 84.1 kph. Kuhnemann walks across on the back foot and looks to defend, but is beaten on the outside edge. The ball clips high on his back thigh pad and lobs over the first slip fielder. A leg bye taken.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Full and around middle. 88.8 kph. Ellis clips it down in front of mid-wicket and sneaks a quick single.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Kuhnemann, An appeal for caught behind, but not given. Pakistan have run out of reviews here, though. Pitched short and on middle. Lands and grips down leg. Matthew Kuhnemann hangs across to tickle it to the leg side but the ball seems to have grazed his thigh pad. The keeper Ghazi Ghori sharply collects it to his right.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Kuhnemann, Full in length now, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann strides across to defend. Plays with soft hands, gets an outside edge and it rolls on the bounce to the first slip fielder.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Kuhnemann, Around off, touch short, Matthew Kuhnemann lets the ball turn into him and tucks it to the left of the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Kuhnemann, Pushed through, full and on off, Matthew Kuhnemann leans forward and ease it back to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Kuhnemann, Turns in from off, on a length. Matthew Kuhnemann gets across, covers the line and nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Arafat Minhas to Nathan Ellis, Slides on with the arm, on a shorter length. Nathan Ellis backs away and steers it behind point for a single. A bit of yes and no between the batters, but they eventually scoot through.

Powerplay 3! Now, Pakistan can have five fielders outside the inner ring till the last over. Also, the debutant, Arafat Minhas, comes back into the attack. He has a couple of overs left to pick up a memorable fifer.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, FOUR! Excellent shot! Shadab overpitches it just outside off. Matthew Kuhnemann gets on his front foot and drills it toward the left of the mid off fielder for four runs.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Tossed up, full outside off. Kuhnemann gets down and smashes it hard along the ground to the left of mid off. Babar dives full length but only gets fingertips on it. He recovers quickly and chases it down, keeping it to two runs.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Short, just outside off, Nathan Ellis opens the face of the bat and guides it to backward point for a single.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, BEATEN! Flatter and straighter, outside off, on a length. Nathan Ellis loosely hangs the bat away from the body and is beaten all ends up.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Googly once again, pitching it short, toward the middle stump. Nathan Ellis hangs back and tucks it past the leg slip fielder for a couple of runs.

Shadab Khan to Nathan Ellis, Googly, short and on middle, turning in. Nathan Ellis is pinned in the crease, looks to work it across, but plays all around it. The ball grazes the inside edge and hits him on the thigh pad.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Quicker and much fuller, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann lunges and blocks it down.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, FOUR! Up and over! The googly by Abrar, full and on off. Matthew Kuhnemann picks the variation early. Stays leg side and lofts it over the mid off fielder for a boundary.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Short and outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann tries to lash it away, but fails to get the proper connection. The ball bounces off toward the cover fielder.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Tossed up, full and on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann leans forward with a giant stride and smothers the spin.

Abrar Ahmed to Nathan Ellis, Googly, just outside off, Nathan Ellis hangs back and clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

The last recognised batter goes back for Australia. Nathan Ellis comes out to the middle now.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, OUT! OUTFOXED! An absolute ripper from Abrar and he is pumped up. Second wicket for him and he has a cold stare at the batter as well. Comes from around the stump and lands it wide outside off. It is the conventional leg break on a shorter length, and it spins sharply back in, staying pretty low and skidding through the deck. Matt Renshaw hangs deep in the crease and tries to knife it through the off side, but plays over the wrong line and is beaten by the lack of bounce as well. The ball beats the inside edge before rattling the timber behind. Matt Renshaw departs after a lengthy, watchful knock and Australia are 179/7, after 38.1 overs.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Another googly, short and on middle and off. Matthew Kuhnemann attempts to block it from his back foot, but it just kisses the outside edge and zips past the keeper. The short third fielder has a chase at it and slides to cut it to two runs.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Beautiful deception! A crafty googly from Shadab. Lands it full in front of middle and it turns prodigiously away from the batter. Kuhnemann is sucked on the front foot and looks to defend, but the ball spins past his blade and the keeper grabs it behind the stumps. A huge appeal for caught behind, but not given. Shadab is certain that he has his man, and the keeper also feeds in the appeal to convince Shaheen to go for a review. The UltraEdge first comes up and shows that there is a slight spike when the ball is next to the back thigh of the batter. So it is not off the edge and Ball Tracking confirms that it is pitching well outside leg. So, the on-field decision is upheld.

Is that out? Pakistan players look confident that they have their man. Shaheen Afridi has taken a review for a caught behind appeal not given by the on-field umpire. UtraEdge shows a flat line, and the third umpire also checks for the LBW, but the Ball Tracking shows the ball pitched outside leg. A review lost.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Full-length delivery, just outside off, Matt Renshaw punches it from his back foot to cover and gets a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, On middle and full, Matthew Kuhnemann gets on top of the ball and clips it all along the ground, to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Fuller in length, angling in, around the middle stump. Matt Renshaw covers the stumps and rolls his wrists to clip it to the right of the short fine leg fielder for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Too full, on off, Kuhnemann drags it along the ground to long on for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, FOUR! A boundary to end the over. Googly from Abrar, pitching it short and outside off. Matt Renshaw yet again goes deep inside the crease and whips it aggressively through mid-wicket for four runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Slides one in and around the leg stump. Matt Renshaw pushes at the full ball, but the ball keeps coming in and he gets an inside edge to short fine leg.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Abrar drags his length back, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann goes deep into the crease and flicks it to square leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Very full, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann blocks it solidly off the front foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Slower through the air, pitching it fuller, on middle and leg. Matt Renshaw tucks it with soft hands to square leg and gets a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, In-drifter, full and on leg, Matt Renshaw lets the ball dip and sweeps it to backward square leg. Kuhnemann wants a single, but there's none on offer.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Tossed up, fuller, on middle, Matt Renshaw flicks it to wide long on and gets a single.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, A googly, pitched outside leg, turning in. Matt Renshaw hangs back to block, but the ball grazes the outside edge and rolls to short third.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Fuller, outside off, Matt Renshaw looks to sweep it but misses and hits the pad. The ball bounces off to the right of the keeper.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Kuhnemann, Full and in front of the stumps, Matthew Kuhnemann clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Fuller in length, just outside off, turning in a shade. Matt Renshaw drives it to long off and gets across for one run.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, FOUR! FIFTY FOR RENSHAW! A top knock from him so far on a slowish pitch. Wickets kept tumbling around him, but he has held his end masterfully and will aim to bat till the end. That's his 2nd ODI half-century. Too full from Shadab, around off, Matt Renshaw tiptoes ahead and pumps it over mid off for a cracking boundary to get to his milestone.

Shadab Khan (4-0-28-0) is back on, replacing Haris Rauf.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Pitches it up, does Abrar, on off, Matt Renshaw gets on his front foot and drives it neatly to long on for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, A leg-break, short and turning down the leg side, Matt Renshaw nudges it off his hips wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Abrar Ahmed comes around the wicket to the left-hander. Bowls it short, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann knocks it to long on and gets a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Drops it short again, on middle, Matt Renshaw moves back and punches it to long on for another run.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Kuhnemann, Googly from Abrar, pitching it short, on off. Matthew Kuhnemann hangs back and pushes it to long on for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and on leg, Matthew Short clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! Pakistan have managed to expose the tailenders from one end, but Matt Renshaw is going at a good clip from the other. He is generally a good player against spin and has kept his end secure so far and is inching closer to his half century. Australia will be hoping he bats as deep as possible and drags them to a total worth defending on this sluggish surface. Pakistan will aim to get Renshaw's wicket as quickly as possible to run through the lower order. Also, with the end of the 34th over, it's decision-making time for Shaheen. The two-ball rotation stops right here, and he must choose just one ball to use for the rest of the innings according to the new rules. The needful seems to have been done in the break, and Abrar Ahmed will bowl now, replacing Salman Agha.

Haris Rauf to Matt Renshaw, Pitches it fuller, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann guides it to deep third and gets a single.

Haris Rauf to Matt Renshaw, Short of a length and on off, Matt Renshaw dabs it down wide of point. Shadab Khan dives to his right and makes a fine one-handed stop.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Better from Kuhnemann! Back of a length, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann opens the face of the bat and guides it to deep cover for a single.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Bangs in a bouncer at 139.4 kph, on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann drops his hands and lets it go to the keeper.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Kuhnemann is looking uncomfortable facing the pace deliveries! Full-length delivery, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann prods ahead and blocks it awkwardly from the inner half of his bat and the ball deflects on the pads.

Haris Rauf to Matt Renshaw, Buzzers! Fuller delivery, on middle and off, Matt Renshaw drives it off the bottom part of the bat towards mid on. The fielder throws it at the batter's end, where the keeper, Ghazi Ghori, is unaware and fails to collect, conceding a single.

Salman Agha to Matthew Kuhnemann, A tad fuller, around off, Matthew Kuhnemann gets on his front foot and drives it gently to cover.

Salman Agha to Matthew Kuhnemann, Just short! Slows it up, shortish and on middle, Matthew Kuhnemann looks to push it away but ends up chipping it off the bottom half of the bat. It goes in the air but drops just in front of the bowler as Agha collects it on the bounce.

Salman Agha to Matthew Kuhnemann, Fuller now, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann strides out and eases it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Goes short again and around off, Matt Renshaw stays back and punches it through covers for a run. 150 up for Australia!

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Drags his length back, does Agha, just outside off, Matt Renshaw rocks back and pushes it to cover.

Salman Agha to Matthew Kuhnemann, Floated, full and around off, Matthew Kuhnemann reaches out and drills it past the diving short cover fielder for a single.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Slanting in, on middle and leg, pitching it on a good length. Matthew Kuhnemann presents the full face of the bat to block in front, but gets an inside edge, before the ball rolls to deep fine leg. Single taken.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Back of a length and outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann cuts it away nicely but finds the point fielder on the bounce.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, WIDE! Short of a length but going down the leg side, Matthew Kuhnemann fails to glance it away. Called a wide.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, A sharp bouncer now! Haris Rauf bends his back and offers a short delivery, over off. Matthew Kuhnemann arches backward and makes a leave at it.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Good length and on middle and off, angling in again, Matthew Kuhnemann gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Cannons it fuller, angling in, around the middle stump. Matthew Kuhnemann, without much footwork, nudges it to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Kuhnemann, Right in the blockhole, outside off, Matthew Kuhnemann reaches out and jams it towards point.

Haris Rauf (3-0-19-0) returns for another burst. He replaces Shaheen Afridi.

Salman Agha to Matthew Kuhnemann, Kuhnemann is underway! Agha pitches it fuller, on off, Matthew Kuhnemann pushes it toward the left of the short cover fielder and gets a quick single.

Another one bites the dust and it's the debutant who couldn't do much. Matthew Kuhnemann is the new batter in at number 8.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Salman Agha strikes now. He bowls this flatter and shorer, just around off. Oliver Peake moves back and tries to cut it away but fails to control the shot due to the extra bounce. He only manages to get a thin outside edge behind, where Ghazi Ghori takes a sharp catch near his waist. Not the ideal debut for Peake, and Australia are 145/6 now.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, Quicker and shorter, on off. Oliver Peake crouches a bit and pulls it to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, FOUR! Just wide! Flighted, full and around off, turns away, Oliver Peake uses his feet to drive it on the up but gets a thick outside edge. It flies just to the left of first slip and races to the third man fence for a boundary.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, Turning it down the leg side, pithcing it a touch fuller. Oliver Peake goes deep into the crease and flicks it to short fine leg.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Tossed up, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw drives it to long off for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, A pinpoint yorker, on off, Oliver Peake shovels it back to the bowler, on the bounce. After 30 overs, Australia are 140/5.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length. Oliver Peake plays off the back foot and solidly blocks it back to Shaheen.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Angles it into the batter, fractionally full. Renshaw plants the front leg across and flicks it off the inner half, and through square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Fuller now, just outside off, Renshaw forces the drive off the inner half to mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, WIDE! Misses his radar completely and sprays it down leg, on a good length. Renshaw walks inside the line and leaves.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Jags back in and keeps low on the bounce, on top of middle. Matt Renshaw gets squared up to work it across, inside edges onto the pads.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Full in length, outside off, Matt Renshaw takes a decent stride ahead and creams the drive through cover. The deep point fielder runs to his left and cuts it off. Two taken.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, Flatter, quicker, and outside off. Peake opts to see it off.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Slower and shorter, drifting on leg. Matt Renshaw hangs back and knocks it across to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, Tossed up, full and outside off, Peake plays it with the spin and works it along the ground to long off for a single.

Salman Agha to Oliver Peake, Spots Peake advancing down the track, and Agha fires it in, full on off. Oliver Peake tries to defend, but the ball clips the front pad and rolls behind square on the off side.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Much fuller, on middle and leg, Matt eases it through mid on for an easy single.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, FOUR! Expertly played! Agha pushes it fuller and on off, from around the stumps. Matt Renshaw picks the length early, gets down on a knee, and reverse sweeps it to the right of the backward point fielder for four runs.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, WIDE! Short and goes down the leg stump line. Stays low and beats Matt on his attempted leg glance.

Salman Agha replaces Arafat Minhas.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Cannoned on the pads, full in length. Peake is pinned in the crease and looks to stab it to the leg side, but plays over it and is struck on the front pad. The ball rolls to the square leg fielder. There's a slight appeal for LBW by Shaheen, but not given.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Oh, almost a yorker, on off. Oliver Peake just manages to drop his bat down. Gets an inside edge and the ball is squirted towards the left of the bowler. Shaheen collects it on a couple of bounces.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Spears it full and gets a bit of tail back in on middle and leg. Matt Renshaw whips it off the pads to deep backward square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matt Renshaw, Hits the hard length, around off, Renshaw cuts it off the back foot, but straight to the backward point fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Back of a length, skidding through, in and around off. Oliver Peake plays off the back foot and stabs it behind backward point for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Oliver Peake, Good length, outside off, angling in a touch while staying low. Peake chop-cuts it to point.

Pace back on as Shaheen Afridi brings himself back into the attack.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, Another appeal for LBW, but nothing doing. Impact seemed to be well outside off this time again. Pitched full and spinning back in from outside off. Matt Renshaw gets down on a knee to sweep, but misses and the ball grazes the front pad before rolling through short third for two leg byes.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, A slight appeal for LBW, but the finger stays down. Pushed across and full around off at 86.7 kph. Renshaw shifts his stance for the reverse sweep but the ball comes in with the arm and beats him completely. He gets struck on the front pad.

Arafat Minhas to Oliver Peake, On a length, on middle and off, this is sliced away through point for a single. First ODI run for Oliver Peake.

Arafat Minhas to Oliver Peake, Short, gripping and turning in on off. Peake goes back and punches it to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Oliver Peake, Spins back in from off, on a short length. Peake goes back to punch it away, but inside edges on the front boot.

It is the debutant once again who gets the crucial breakthrough for Pakistan. Oliver Peake walks out to bat on his debut.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, OUT! STUMPED! A moment of brilliance from Arafat and he breaks the 55-run partnership. Minhas floats this one into the batter and gets it to turn away sharply from off, on a length. Matthew Short cannot hold his temptation and jumps out of the crease and tries to work it downtown, but the ball spins almost square, beating the outside edge. Ghazi Ghori collects the ball cleanly behind the stumps and dislodges the bails in a flash, with Short left wandering out of the crease. Australia are 123/5 as Short walks back after a brilliant half-century.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Turns in from middle, full in length. Renshaw with a watchful block down the pitch.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, SIX! Handsomely played! Pushed through on a fuller length, just outside off. Matt Renshaw strides ahead, gets under the ball nicely and pumps it over the long off fence for a six. Clean strike and that shows Renshaw is growing in confidence now. That's the first six of the game, and it also brings up the 50-run partnership between this pair.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Short, spinning in from off. Renshaw punches off the back foot to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Full and floated on middle, Matthew Short walks out of the pitch and drills it to long on for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Pitched full, on off, Short spreads across on the pitch and smashes it back to Abrar.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Carrom ball, on a length, on off. Short blocks it back to the bowler.

Halfway through the first innings. Australia are 116/4 and the partnership for the fifth wicket is nicely developing for Australia. Short has been a wall and Renshaw has offered decent support. Pakistan in seach for another breakthrough.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Goes short and around off, Matthew Short cuts it away to deep point for a run.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Tossed up, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Matthew Short looks to defend with a straight bat but gets an outside edge along the ground to backward point.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Flighted, full and on middle, Matthew Short guides it off the outer half of the bat to short third.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Tossed up, full and on off, Matthew Short gets forward and steers it to point.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Drops it short and around off, Matthew Short punches it wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and on middle and leg, turns in, Matt Renshaw goes down for the reverse sweep but misses as the ball goes off his left thigh behind the keeper. A leg bye taken. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. A bit of discussion between the skipper and his bowler, but they do not take the review.

Double change. Here's Arafat Minhas (6-0-27-3) for another spell, replacing Shadab Khan.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Darts one full and on middle, Matt Renshaw drills it down to long on for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Slower through the air, full and on off, turns away, Matt Renshaw fends it away from his body.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Floated, full and on off, Matthew Short pushes it through covers for another run.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Short and on middle and leg, Matt Renshaw flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Matt Renshaw, Flatter, full and around leg, Matt Renshaw goes down to paddle but gloves it behind the keeper. Salman Agha once again shows good awareness to quickly move from first slip to his right and make the stop.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, FIFTY FOR SHORT! A fine and sensible knock on a tacky pitch, and Australia needed someone to step up here. This is Short's 4th ODI half-century, and he gets there in 66 balls. Tossed up, full and on off, Matthew Short drives it down to long off for a single.

Spin continues to replace spin for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed (5-0-15-1) is brought back on, replacing Salman Agha.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, A dragged-down leggie, around off, turns away, Matthew Short punches it through cover-point for one. He moves to 49.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Goes short again, bowls this a bit quicker as well, on midde, Matthew Short moves back and pats it down the pitch.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, A bit short and on middle, Matt Renshaw nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw clips it to mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Fires in a yorker, on middle, Matt Renshaw digs it back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, FOUR! Classy shot! Flighted delivery, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw plants his front foot to get to the pitch of the ball. He shows the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously down the round to the long off fence for a boundary.

Oh, what happened there? A very late withdrawal from the shot by Renshaw. Shadab bowls a googly to start the over, and it crashes into the stumps as Matt bails out. Renshaw raises his hand in apology, claiming the floodlights had flickered on just as Shadab was about to deliver, which put off his concentration. Shadab is not entirely buying it, though, muttering with a hint of frustration that it was probably the best ball he had bowled all day. He will have to reload.

Salman Agha to Matthew Short, Slower through the air, full and on middle, Matthew Short tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Matthew Short, Flighted, full and on middle, Matthew Short tucks it wide of short mid-wicket, but the fielder makes a fine diving stop to his left.

Salman Agha to Matthew Short, Appeal for LBW, but turned down! This is the arm ball, full and on middle and leg, angling in sharply. Matthew Short stays in his crease and looks to hoick across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. Probably going down the leg side.

Salman Agha to Matthew Short, Tossed up, full and on off, Matthew Short drives it firmly but fails to beat mid off.

Salman Agha to Matthew Short, Floats it up, full and around off, Matthew Short stretches out in front and drills it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Shorter in length and outside off, Matt Renshaw cuts it past point for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, A bit quicker, full and on middle and off, Matt Renshaw goes down and across to paddle it to fine leg for one more.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Darts this one full and on middle, Matthew Short bunts it down to long on for one. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Tossed up, full and on off, Matthew Short drives it to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Flighted, full and on middle, Matthew Short knocks it back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Flatter, full and on middle, Matthew Short turns it to the leg side.

Excellent phase for Pakistan. They have gone all spin now and have picked up 3 wickets, while conceding just 46 runs in the span of 11-20 overs. Shadab Khan (2-0-18-0) to continue.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Flighted, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw gets his front foot out and fends it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Almost chopped on! Quicker one, short and around off, Matt Renshaw looks to cut it away but this is too close to his body. He ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads. That could have easily gone back to the stumps.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Drops it short and on middle, Matt Renshaw moves back and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and on off, Matt Renshaw guides it away towards point.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, FOUR! Deft touch! Flatter, short and just outside off. Matt Renshaw lets the ball come to him, opens the bat face and uses the pace to steer it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.

Salman Agha to Matt Renshaw, Shorter in length and around leg, Matt Renshaw stays back and nudges it towards short fine.

Bowler number 6 for Pakistan. Salman Agha is introduced into the attack now, replacing Arafat Minhas.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Gives this one some more air, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw works it through mid-wicket for one. Much better over from Shadab!

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Flatter, full and on middle, turns into the leg side, Matt Renshaw clips it towards backward square leg.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Nicely flighted, full and on off, Matthew Short strides out and drives it towards long off for another run.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Drags his length back, outside off, Matthew Short cuts it away wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and on off, Matt Renshaw eases it down to long on for a run.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Tossed up, full and on off, Matthew Short sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Slowish, fullish, around off, driven along the ground to long off for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Four dots in a row! Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, Matthew Short uses his feet and knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Flighted delivery, full and on middle, Matthew Short fends it away.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Ripper! Tossed up, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply. Matthew Short gets drawn forward to play at it but the ball spins past the outside edge.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Slows it up, full and on off, Matthew Short blocks it down the pitch.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, Floated, full and around off, Matt Renshaw winds up for the sweep but ends up jamming it to point for  single.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, WIDE! Flatter, full but down the leg side, Matt Renshaw looks to swipe it away but misses. The keeper also fails to collect, but Salman Agha at first slip reacts quickly to his right to make the stop.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, And again! Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns in, Matt Renshaw sits on one knee and paddles it around the corner on the leg side for one. The throw from the deep comes to the batter's end, where the keeper fumbles. The batters think about taking the extra run but decide against it in the end.

Shadab Khan to Matt Renshaw, Flighted, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw gets down and across to paddle it towards fine leg for a couple of runs.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Drops it short again, on off, Matthew Short punches it through covers for a single.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, FOUR! Put away! Floated, full and on middle and leg, Matthew Short goes down on one knee and nails the sweep to the deep square leg fence for another boundary.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, Flatter, short and on middle, turns in as this is a googly, Matthew Short stays back to play it but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball stops on the pitch.

Shadab Khan to Matthew Short, FOUR! Gets greeted with a boundary! Shadab Khan starts with a dragged-downer, just outside off. Matthew Short quickly moves on the back foot and slaps it to the deep extra cover fence for four runs.

Spin to continue in tandem, as Shadab Khan is now brought on. He replaces Abrar Ahmed.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, Oh, that's quite a turn off the deck! Arafat Minhas drags his length back, on middle, grips and turns just down the leg side. Matt Renshaw shuffles to cover the stumps and looks to flick it, but leaves. Wide not given by the umpire.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, Tossed up, much fuller, just outside off. Matt Renshaw reverse sweeps it toward the right of the deep cover fielder and gets a couple of runs.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Pitches it up, does Minhas, on off. Matthew Short strides out and pushes it to the right of cover to take another single.

Arafat Minhas to Matt Renshaw, Short, around middle, Matt Renshaw goes deep into the crease and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Renshaw is off the mark!

DRINKS BREAK! Pakistan are all over Australia at the moment, and the main architect of their downfall has been the debutant, Arafat Minhas, who has already picked up three wickets. The Aussies got to a decent start, but the struggles against spin is quite visible here. They desperately need a partnership here, and Matthew Short has to play a key role as he is the set batter out there. The hosts will be hoping that if they can pick up a couple of more wickets quickly, they can run through this Aussie lower order pretty quickly. Also, Matt Renshaw is the next man in.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Completely outfoxed and Arafat has his third wicket already. Shorter this time, angling into the middle stump. Green goes deep inside the crease and is squared up on the back foot as the ball grips and turns away sharply. He hangs his bat tentatively to block, but gets beaten on the outside edge comprehensively, and the ball crashes into the top of the off stump. From 62/1, Australia further slide down to 68/4.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Drifts in on a shorter length, on off. Short is hurried on the back foot and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Cameron Green, Fuller in length, pitching it outside off and turning in. Cameron Green plants the front foot out and taps it to the leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Pushed into the batter, full in length, Short leans ahead and pushes it to long off for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, A tad fuller, on middle. Short comes down the track and blocks it down the track.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Spins away, full and on off, Matthew Short gets it sliced to backward point off the front foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, FOUR! SHOT! That will ease some pressure off from him. Short of a length, around off and middle. Matthew Short transfers his weight on his back foot and pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for four runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Touch short, around off, punched off the back foot to cover.

Arafat Minhas to Cameron Green, A bit quicker, fuller and angling in, on middle. Cameron Green rocks back and fends it to cover. An end of an exceptional over from the debutant. Two wickets and two runs from it.

A silver duck for Marnus and Australia are in a spot of bother now. In walks Cameron Green at number 5. And there are two slips to ambush the batter.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! LBW! A double whammy for Arafat and his debut just keeps getting better and better now. Length ball and sliding onto the pads. Marnus hangs back and looks to punch it through the covers, but the angle does him completely and he misses. He is struck right on the front pad. An appeal for LBW, and the umpire's finger goes up without a moment's hesitation. Marnus turns to Short for some reassurance but gets nothing back. He has to make the long walk back. From 62/1, Australia slip to 62/3.

Arafat Minhas to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, pitching it on middle and turns it away. Marnus Labuschagne rocks back and opens the face of the bat to ease it toward backward point.

A special moment to savour for Minhas. The partnership was just budding nicely between Inglis and Short, but it is cut short. Marnus Labuschagne is in at number 4. There's a slip in place.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, OUT! LBW! A big, big moment for the debutant as he has his maiden ODI wicket. Full and straight, fired hard into the stumps. Inglis sets up for the reverse sweep but misses it completely as the ball keeps sliding down with the arm, and Inglis is struck on the front pad. Confident appeal for LBW from the hosts, and up goes the finger. Inglis walks to have a chat with Short and goes for a review. Looks dead straight, though. UltraEdges detects nothing when the ball is next to the bat or the glove. Ball Tracking comes up with three reds, with the ball projected to crash into the leg stump. Inglis has to walk back and Australia are 62/2.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Floated and fuller, just outside off, Matthew Short gets on his front foot and drives it along the carpet to long off for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Short and on off, Inglis camps back and knocks it away to deep point for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Abrar drags his length back yet again, outside off. Matthew Short hangs back and looks to pull it away, but fails to get the timing right and hits it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Length ball outside off stump, 88.3 kph, Inglis punches the ball to the right of Babar at cover who dives to his right and takes the sting out of the ball, keeping it down to a single only.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Short, at the stumps. Josh Inglis blocks it out.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Dipping full ball, around off, Short drives it inside out through cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Pitches it up, does Abrar Ahmed, around off and middle. Josh Inglis nudges it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Stays low, on a length, on off. Matthew Short is rushed on the late cut, and inside edges past the stumps, to the left of the keeper, towards short fine leg for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Short, on middle, Josh Inglis pushes it to cover.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Lands it somewhere around off, full in length. Short shimmies down the track and caresses it to wide long off for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Oh, a cheeky shot from Short, but it doesn't quite hit the middle of the bat. Short of a length, just outside off, angling in, toward the off stump. Matthew Short gets down on one knee and looks to reverse sweep it. But the ball hits the inner part of the bat and rolls to the slip fielder on the bounce.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Floated around middle and off, Short eases it to cover with soft hands.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Flat and fuller, around the leg stump. Matthew Short skips down the track and nudges it to mid on.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Uses his feet and drills the full ball around off, to long off for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Fuller, at the stumps, Matthew Short fends it to the right of the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Slower through the air, full and around off, Inglis stretches forward and eases it through wide mid off for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Short, outside off, turning away. Short hangs deep in the crease and punches it through cover-point for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Oh, that keeps low! Skids through and goes underground, from a length, on middle and off. Inglis is rushed on the back foot and just about manages to punch it wide of cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Appeal for stumping and the leg umpire has referred it to the third umpire! A touch fuller, pitching it on off and turns it away from the batter. Josh Inglis is sucked out and tries to launch it downtown, but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball spins past his bat. The keeper does exceptionally well to collect it and breaks the stumps swiftly. The third umpire sees that Inglis' back foot is well inside the crease and the verdict is Not Out.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Carrom ball, on a length, on off. Inglis hangs back and punches it back to the bowler.

End of the Powerplay. A pretty balanced one but Australia will be more pleased to have lost just one wicket on a slowish pitch. Pakistan are now allowed to have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring between overs 11-40. Abrar Ahmed to continue.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, A tad fuller, angling in, around the pads of the batter. Josh Inglis camps back and rolls his wrists to flick it to backward square leg for a single.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, In the air... but falls out of reach of Babar. Tossed up full on the stumps at 87.4 kph, Inglis is lured into a big heave over mid-wicket. Gets a massive top edge and the ball balloons high into the air. Babar is tracking it from mid on, running hard backwards, but it just drops out of his reach in time. Two runs and a lucky escape for Inglis. 50 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Much fuller, on off, Josh Inglis initially looks to play it on his front foot, but then he gets back on his back foot and defends it down.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Well-bowled! Slows it up through the air, and lands it full around middle. Gets it to turn away. Matthew Short tries to drive it inside out to the off side, but gets a thick outside edge and it runs away to the deep third region. Maaz Sadaqat sprints towards the ball and flicks it before the ropes. Three taken.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Flat and fullish, on off. Matthew Short lunges and gives it a push toward the short cover fielder.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, FOUR! Top shot! Not short at all, but slightly quick and wide outside off. Matthew Short lets his hands flow through the shot and slices it to the left of the diving point fielder for a boundary.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Pitches it up, does Ahmed, on off and middle. Josh Inglis flicks it to mid-wicket. Another good over from Abrar Ahmed. Just two runs from it.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, WIDE! Fuller, but darts it down the leg side. Josh Inglis misses his flick, and the umpire calls it a Wide.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Floats it up there, on middle. Inglis smothers the spin.

Abrar Ahmed to Josh Inglis, Abrar Ahmed drags his length back, just outside off. Josh Inglis gets on his toes and bunts it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Lands it full and slides onto the pads. This is swept away along the ground through square leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Short, outside off, Matthew Short pats it to short cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Full, spinning away, on off. Short drives it straight to short cover.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, A bit of an awkward bounce there! A touch fuller, on off. Josh Inglis rocks back to block it down, but the ball kicks off the deck after pitching. Takes the splice and rolls back to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Sliding onto the pads, full in length, eased into the leg side by Inglis.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Flat and fuller, on middle, a lot quicker this time. Josh Inglis stays on his back foot and pushes it back to the bowler.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, FOUR! Splits the gap neatly! Flighted up, full and outside off. Josh Inglis hits it with the spin, and drives it off the front foot through cover and point for a boundary.

Arafat Minhas to Josh Inglis, Full, on middle, Josh Inglis leans on the delivery and punches it to the left of the mid on fielder.

Arafat Minhas to Matthew Short, Pitched full and around off, Short drives it through mid off for an easy single.

Abrar with the first breakthrough for his team in his very first over. The skipper, Josh Inglis, walks in at number 3. And here's the debutant into the attack. Arafat Minhas to roll his arm over. He replaces Haris Rauf.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The change to bring in a spinner in the Powerplay has done wonders for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed goes with the googly, pitches it a touch fuller, offering a bit off flight, just outside off. Alex Carey gets on his front foot and tries to push at it, but it takes the outside edge of the willow and goes flat and low toward the first slip fielder. It's Salman Agha who stays low and grabs the catch above his shoelaces. Australia lose their first wicket now.

Abrar Ahmed to Alex Carey, Drops it full and around off. Carey lunges ahead to block it to the off side.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Flighted and fuller, on off. Matthew Short uses his feet and comes down the track and drives it gently through mid off and gets a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Pushed fuller and around off, straight line. Matthew Short shapes to drive it away to the off side, but inside edges to mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Pitches it up, fuller, on middle, Matthew Short works it to the leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Matthew Short, Starts off with a full ball, on off, Short leans on and blocks it out.

Time for spin now as Abrar Ahmed is introduced. He replaces Shaheen Afridi.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, At 142.7 kph, full on middle and leg, Carey drives it straight to the mid on fielder.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Length-delivery, outside off, Alex Carey rocks back and looks to cut it but gets the connection on the inside edge, before it bounces off toward mid on.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, FOUR! PUNISHED! A half-tracker on the bodyline, Alex Carey has all the time in the world to press back and pull it over mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Rauf drags his length back, on leg and middle. Alex Carey hops a bit and tucks it down to square leg.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, FOUR! Oh, now that's some shot from Carey! Good-length delivery, at the stumps. Alex Carey walks down the track and uses his bottom hand to loft it beautifully over the mid on fielder for four runs.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Haris Rauf comes from over the wicket to the left-hander and bowls fuller, on middle. Alex Carey clips it to wide mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Tight single! Touch full and on the leg stump line. Carey clips it to mid-wicket and calls his partner through for a quick single. The fielder is quick to release the ball and the throw is off-target at the non-striker's end, and Carey rushes in safely.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Length-delivery, around off. Carey responds with a crisp back foot punch to the mid off region.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, FOUR! Well-connected! Fuller and angling on the pads. Easy pickings for Carey as he whips it off his legs and airs it over square leg for a boundary. And immediately, Shaheen calls the slip out.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Nagging length, cutting back in on off. Carey stays put and tries to knock it down the ground, but inside edges onto the pads.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, FOUR! Not convincing, but Carey will take it. Full and on off, slower one, Alex Carey shimmies down the track and lofts it with no timing. Has enough power though, to clear mid on and pick up a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Good length, on top of off, Carey nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, Another huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire once again turns it down. This time, Shaheen does not go upstairs. Good-length delivery, into the stumps, angling in sharply. Matthew Short hops and tries to flick it but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears on the front pad, before the ball rolls toward the backward square leg region. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball is clearly going down the leg side and over the leg stump as well.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, Fuller, on middle, Matthew Short drives it neatly back to the bowler. Rauf puts his right leg out and deflects it to mid-wicket. Short is halfway down the track asking for the single, but Carey rejects the ball and sends his partner back.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, A massive appeal for LBW, but the finger stays down. Rauf is very confident this time and he convinces Shaheen to take the review. Full and straight at 140 kph, angling down towards the leg stump. Short looks to drive but misses, and gets hit flush on the front pad. The UltraEdge tells a different story entirely as a massive spike confirms there was a clear inside edge. A shocking review from the hosts.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Nearly dragged on! Cuts back in sharply on a good length, on middle and leg. Carey is rushed on the shot, trying to play it through the off side, and inside edges it past the leg stump. The ball rolls away to deep fine leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, WIDE! Spays it down the leg stump line, on a good length. Carey misses the flick. Wide called.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, Full and wide, Short slashes it hard and wide of point for a single.

Haris Rauf to Alex Carey, Skids through on a length, on leg. Carey tries to roll it behind square on the leg side, but again gets beaten and is hit on the pads. The ball gets deflected to deep fine leg for a leg bye.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, A huge appeal for LBW, but not given. Pakistan do not send it upstairs as it looked to be sliding down leg. A length ball, slanted onto the pads. Alex Carey attempts to help it behind square on the leg side, but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards backward square leg and they cross for a leg bye. Not much bounce on that one, though. And the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is projected to be missing the leg stump. So a good decision from the hosts to not challenge it.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Short, Shapes in a touch, full on middle. Matthew Short tries to push it straight, but gets an outside edge as the ball runs wide of backward point, to the right of deep third for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Short, Fuller and angling away from the batter. Short stretches ahead and tries to blast it through covers, but mistimes and finds the mid off fielder en route.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Short, Hones in on a fuller length, around off, Short presses forward and pushes it down the ground, to mid off's right.

Shaheen Afridi to Matthew Short, Bangs it short and angles across off. Short stands tall to swat it through mid-wicket, but the ball holds up seemingly and he ends up mistiming it off the toe end, back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, In-angler on a length, on middle. Carey lets the ball curve in and tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a quick single to open his account.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, Much fuller, outside off, at almost 145 kph. Short leans on and carves it straight to the cover fielder.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, A wide first slip in place. Pulls the length back, on top of off. Matthew Short hops back and blocks it to the mid-wicket region off the inner half of the bat.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, Tight leave! Seaming away slightly, fullish and around off. Matthew Short closely watches it and opts to leave.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, FOUR! That's been absolutely belted away! Short of a good length, wide outside off, nipping away. Matthew Short gets on top of the bounce and cracks the square cut behind point for another boundary. Races away like a tracer-bullet.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, FOUR! Graceful stroke and that's the first runs off the bat! Swings away sharply, full and fairly outside off. Matthew Short strides forward, doesn't try to overhit it and creams it past cover-point for a cracking boundary. Short is off the mark.

Haris Rauf to Matthew Short, Hits the back of a length, on middle. Short camps back and bunts it down the pitch.

Promising start from Shaheen. Not a huge swing on offer, just a little bit. Haris Rauf to operate from the opposite end.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, At 134.5 kph, full on off, Carey knocks it straight to the mid off fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Big swing and a miss! Just a hint of an inward shape, shade fuller and outside off. Carey looks to drive through the covers, but misses as the ball zips past his inside edge.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Hits the length hard, around off. Carey hops off and steers it gently to cover-point.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, WIDE! A wayward delivery, on a good length, but a lot straighter down leg. Carey misses the flick. The keeper dives to his right and gathers it.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Fullish in length now, aiming the off pole. Carey with a little stride forward, pushes it to mid off.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on top of off. Carey punches it straight back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Alex Carey, On the money! Minimal swing away from the batter, on a hard length, on off. Carey hangs back and knocks it to short cover.

Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Pakistan players spread out and take up their fielding positions. Alex Carey and Matthew Short are the two openers for Australia. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are not far away from the start of the game, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the respective national anthems. It will be Australia's first, followed by that of Pakistan.

PITCH REPORT - Bazid Khan is pitchside with his assessment of the conditions. He starts off saying that the weather is ideal with low humidity and a fine breeze running across the ground. He notes that Rawalpindi pitches are generally known for their bounce, but this one looks a touch slower, with the ball likely to stay low. Notes that there is also some dryness in the surface, which should work in the spinners' favour in the first innings. Khan points out that this has traditionally been a chasing ground, as four of the last five games have been won by the chasing team. Details that under the lights, the ball tends to come on nicely onto the bat. He stresses that the bowlers should bowl on the shorter side and use the pitch's slowness, underscoring that going full could invite punishment.

The captain of Australia - Josh Inglis says the priority is to assess conditions quickly and communicate well within the side to figure out the best approach on what looks like a dry surface, with the aim of putting a big total on the board. On the possibility of going spin-heavy, he says it is a potential option, adding that the squad has been assembled with these kinds of conditions in mind after experiencing something similar during the T20s. On the debutant front, Inglis confirms Oliver Peake will make his ODI debut today, describing him as an incredibly exciting talent who has made a brilliant start to his career. He adds that one of Peake's biggest strengths is the composure he carries, a player who has shown up in big moments already and has a steady head over his shoulders, and he hopes there are plenty more of those to come.

The captain of Pakistan - Shaheen Afridi says that it looks like a spinning track. Adds that they played a practice game here and the ball was coming onto the bat under lights. Mentions that they want to restrict Australia to a low score and chase it down later. Afridi shares that playing for Pakistan is a dream and when you are leading your country in the 1000th match, it's a big achievement. They will try to enjoy the occasion and try to win. Shaheen says that the World Cup is on their minds and they want to build good momentum and put in a good performance. Informs that Arafat Minhas is making his debut, and wishes him luck.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (WK), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas (On ODI debut), Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.

Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (C/WK), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake (On ODI debut), Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Billy Stanlake and Matthew Kuhnemann.

TOSS - It is time for the coin to go up in Rawalpindi. Both captains - Shaheen Afridi and Josh Inglis are out in the middle with Ramiz Raja leading the proceedings. Afridi gives it a flick, and it lands in favor of the hosts. Pakistan have opted to BOWL first.

A tough challenge - Pakistan have been Australia's kryptonite on home soil in the 50-over format. Since 1998, the defending world champions have made the trip, played the games, and come back empty-handed. The volume of series has been modest, sure, but nearly three decades without a series win in Pakistan is a drought that the visitors would like to end this time around. But Pakistan's recent trip to Bangladesh was a confidence-shattering one. Will a reinforced Pakistani side pose a tough examination against the world champions, who look a bit rewired with some big names missing? We shall find out. Toss and teams in a bit. Stay tuned.

Walking into the fortress - Rawalpindi sets an intimidating backdrop for the visitors. Pakistan's record at this ground in ODI cricket is nothing short of imperious. Seven wins from the last eight completed matches, with their solitary defeat coming in a Super Over against Zimbabwe. Beyond the Chevrons, neither New Zealand nor Sri Lanka have managed to leave Pindi with a victory either. For Australia, that is a formidable fortress to walk into, and the fact that the Aussies are returning to Rawalpindi for an ODI game for the first time since 1994, when they lost their only match played here so far in this format. This sets a unique challenge of unfamiliarity as well.

Greetings folks - New day, a fresh series. Cricket never stops. But we ain't complaining, mate! The stage is set for a blockbuster series in the making. Pakistan and Australia, in the 50-over format, are back at it, this time on Pakistani soil, as the Men in Green welcome the Baggy Greens for a three-match ODI series. With the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup quietly casting its long shadow over every bilateral series being played right now, there is far more at stake here than just the result on the scoreboard. Welcome to what promises to be a fascinating contest of strategy, skill, and nerve.

... MATCH DAY ...

Australia’s stern challenge in Pakistan - Amid the relentless rhythm of T20 cricket and the franchise leagues, the focus now shifts back to the 50-over game. The defending world champions have touched down in Pakistan for a three-match ODI series that carries more weight than the fixture list lets on. On the surface, a bilateral series. Underneath, the first real signpost on the road to the 2027 World Cup for both sides. Combinations will be tested, questions will surface, and the answers will matter. Rawalpindi hosts the opener before the action shifts to Lahore for the final two. A thousand reasons to show up - In a landmark moment for the country, Pakistan walk into this series on the cusp of their 1000th ODI. It becomes even more special with a passionate home crowd behind them. This is not just a number, it reflects a journey filled with legacy, emotion, and unforgettable highs. Bangladesh was a forgetful trip. Simple as that. But bad trips end, and home is where Pakistan remember who they are. Sri Lanka were swept 3-0 here in Rawalpindi. South Africa left with a 2-1 loss just before that. Five ODI series wins from eight since the 2023 World Cup, and at home, five wins from six ODIs in that run proves that Pakistan have had a massive edge over their opponents in their backyard. Rust, records, and a point to prove - Seven months away from 50-over cricket is a long time, even for world champions. Australia last played an ODI series and that was at home against India in October 2025, where they emerged victorious. But since that 2023 title win, the form line has been anything but convincing. 11 wins to go with 10 losses in 22 matches, a semifinal exit at the 2025 Champions Trophy as well. That also includes a home series defeat to Pakistan when they lost 1-2. In fact, Australia have not beaten Pakistan in a bilateral ODI series since 2019, when they dismantled them 5-0 in the UAE. It is a long drought for a side that owns the head-to-head by some distance, with 71 wins to go with 36 defeats across all ODI meetings, a record that speaks to decades of Australian dominance. The recent bilateral story, though, belongs to Pakistan. Reversing that particular trend is quietly one of the more pressing items on Australia's to-do list this time around. Squad updates - PAKISTAN - The big blokes are back - The hosts have named a 16-man squad and the headline writes itself. Babar Azam is back, returning on the back of a recent upturn in form after sitting out the Bangladesh series. His last ODI came against Sri Lanka in November 2025, and while the numbers since then read one century and a half-century from ten innings, the mere presence of Pakistan's most decorated batter changes the complexion of this lineup. And then there is Shadab Khan, who has been waiting even longer for this moment. The leg-spinning allrounder has not featured in an ODI since the 2023 World Cup, nearly two full years out of the format. Familiar faces, alongside fresh blood - One of the more striking updates from the hosts' camp is the omission of Mohammad Rizwan. A difficult PSL campaign and lack of form elsewhere has cost him his place, with Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir named as the keeping options instead. In the top order, Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain keep their places after making their ODI debuts against Bangladesh, stepping up once again in the continued absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, both sidelined through injury. Three debutants from one series, straight into another against the world champions. The band is back together - Naseem Shah's road back has been a rough one. A back injury wrecked his PSL 2026 before it barely began. He is fit now, or fit enough, and Pakistan will handle him carefully. Ahmed Daniyal knows the feeling, too. A hamstring pull ended his PSL after just four games. Two quicks, both carrying the memory of recent breakdowns, both with something to prove about their bodies as much as their bowling. With captain Shaheen and Haris Rauf as the two frontline pacers, the seam attack looks every bit as threatening as it should. In spin, Sufyan Moqim slots in alongside Abrar Ahmed and Shadab, returning from a PSL campaign where he took 21 wickets for Peshawar Zalmi and walked away with the Player of the Series award as well. AUSTRALIA - A patched-up group - One of the biggest absences for Australia is Mitchell Marsh, ruled out with an ankle injury and replaced by Cooper Connolly, who won’t be available for the series opener. But Marsh is far from the only name missing. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, the pace trio that has defined Australian cricket for the better part of a decade in all formats, are all unavailable, rested on workload grounds with IPL commitments also playing its part. Travis Head is absent too. When your first-choice captain, vice-captain, and three frontline quicks are all at home, patched-up is the only word for it. Josh Inglis steps into the captaincy, a role he has filled before under similarly thin circumstances. Around Inglis, there is still experience to draw on. Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa, and Nathan Ellis all make the trip. Matt Renshaw arrives with an opportunity to cement his credentials and more importantly, his spot in the squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup, while Matt Short has point to prove after losing his Cricket Australia contract. The squad may be depleted at the top, but there are careers on the line further down. Thin on stars, but still well loaded - Despite the high-profile absences, Australia arrive with no shortage of bowling options. Nathan Ellis leads the pace attack, joined by his Hobart Hurricanes teammate Riley Meredith. The most eye-catching name in the group, however, is Billy Stanlake. The towering quick has not played an ODI since 2019. Six years on the outside, and now a chance to remind everyone what that 2.1-metre frame can do with a white ball in hand. And with Cameron Green providing a genuine pace bowling option, their pace attack looks pretty sorted. Spin-wise, Adam Zampa leads the department, and he arrives with a record that commands respect. Only the great Shane Warne has taken more wickets for Australia as a spinner against Pakistan in the ODIs. A statistic that tells you everything about the kind of threat level that Zampa brings to the table. Matthew Kuhnemann and Tanveer Sangha complete a three-pronged spin attack that looks well-equipped for the subcontinental conditions. New faces eager to make a mark - Two uncapped names have earned their spots the hard way. Liam Scott and Ollie Peake arrive with genuine momentum behind them. Scott was named the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year for 2025-26. Peake's path has been different but no less compelling. He captained Australia at the 2026 U19 World Cup and has since graduated to the Australia A setup, building a profile that clearly caught the selectors' eye. The more intriguing case is Peake. Coach Andrew McDonald has backed the teenager publicly, urging patience from those who will inevitably reach for comparisons and conclusions before he has faced a ball. Peake arrives with a modest domestic record. Though he scored a couple of centuries in the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup, where he averaged 78 in the tournament. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) PAK - LWLWW | AUS - LWWWL. What to expect? The subcontinent is baking. Temperatures have been punishing across the region, and both fixtures in Rawalpindi and Lahore have been scheduled for evening starts to dodge the worst of the heat. That decision, sensible as it is, brings its own complications. Dew will settle as the night draws in, making the toss very crucial. The numbers at Rawalpindi further tilt the scales. Pakistan have won 19 of 25 completed ODIs at this ground, a record that speaks for itself. Add a restocked home side brimming with returning experience, set it against a young and somewhat patched-up Australian outfit finding their feet away from home, and the ingredients are all there for a cracking ODI series.