David Warner praises Arafat Minhas after record debut

Legendary batter David Warner has praised Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas after his record-breaking performance ODI debut against Australia. 

David took to Instagram caption to acknowledge the 21-year-old Minhas for his outstanding performance in the ODI series opener.

Warner praised the young all-rounder, writing, “Well done legend,” alongside a picture of Minhas.

A day earlier, Arafat became the first player from Pakistan to record fifer on ODI debut, registering a remarkable figures of 5-32

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.

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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.

Minhas bowling helped Pakistan dismiss Australia for 200 in 44.1 overs and rewriting the national record books in the process.

Best bowling figures on ODI debut for Pakistan

• Arafat Minhas – 5-32 vs Australia, 2026
• Zakir Khan – 4-19 vs New Zealand, 1984
• Abdul Qadir – 4-21 vs New Zealand, 1983
• Abrar Ahmed – 4-33 vs Zimbabwe, 2024
• Sarfaraz Nawaz – 4-46 vs New Zealand, 1973

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. The all-rounder was adjugded player of the match for his performance.

READ: Arafat Minhas denies replacement talk after debut heroics