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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas has played down suggestions of replacing Mohammad Nawaz after the ODI series opener against Australia.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the first ODI, Arafat was asked whether his impressive debut had prompted suggestions that he could challenge Mohammad Nawaz for a place in the side, despite Nawaz’s experience and long-standing role with the national team.
“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,” he told reporters.
He also said that in the past, he always aimed to deliver impactful, match-winning performances whenever he had opportunities at the junior level.
“I think in my past cricket as well — whether it was at 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 explained.
Yesterday, the 21-year-old left-arm spinner returned remarkable figures of 5-32 in his allotted 10 overs, helping Pakistan dismiss Australia for 200 in 44.1 overs and rewriting the national record books in the process.
With the performance, Minhas registered the best bowling figures by a Pakistani on ODI debut, surpassing a 41-year-old record previously held by former pacer Zakir Khan, who had taken 4-19 against New Zealand in 1984.
His figures also eclipsed the previous best by a Pakistani spinner on ODI debut, a record held by legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, who claimed 4-21 against New Zealand in 1983.
Chasing a modest target of 201, Pakistan reached 202-5 in 42.3 overs, thanks largely to a match-defining 127-run partnership between Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori.
Minhas also chipped in with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 18 off 17, striking two fours and six to finish the match.
READ: Arafat Minhas scripts history with five-wicket haul on ODI debut
