Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson has defended the team’s decision to prepare a spin-friendly pitch for the opening ODI against Australia. Hesson rejected criticism of the strategy and said the team is focused on creating the right approach for future international events.
The first ODI of the three-match series was played on May 30, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. The host team bowled Australia Chasing the target, it was bowled out for 200 runs and took an early lead in the series with five wickets remaining.
I’m hearing some things about the pitches here – Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson responded to criticism on whether Pakistan’s pitches are the right preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Pakistan The white-ball coach said the team is fully aware of the conditions they will face during the tournament and believes spin-friendly surfaces will remain relevant.
“I’m hearing some things here about Pakistan’s pitches not being ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. This is actually a topic I talked about on the latest #PCB podcast,” Mike Hesson wrote on Ax.
“First of all, the World Cup is jointly organized in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. There are venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia where spin is a big factor, and we will play matches in those countries,” he said.
I’m hearing some talk that the pitches here in Pakistan are not ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. This is actually a topic I talked about on the latest #PCB podcast.
Firstly, the World Cup is jointly organized in South Africa, Zimbabwe and…
– Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) June 1, 2026
The myth that all South African pitches are fast and bouncy – Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson also said that not all pitches in South Africa assist fast bowlers. The Pakistan coach said that conditions are different at every venue and spin can still play an important role at many places.
“The myth that all pitches in South Africa are fast and bouncy is not true. Certainly some pitches are, but they vary across the country,” Hesson said.
He said, “Those who remember the last ODI series played by Pakistan in South Africa will also remember Paarl, where spin decided the outcome of the match. Rest assured, we have completed significant research and will use the next 18 months to prepare for different conditions.”
Arafat Minhas’ brilliant performance, Pakistan defeated Australia
Australia had to struggle against Pakistan’s spin attack and the team was out for 200 runs. Matt Renshaw scored 61 runs in 63 balls, while Matthew Short scored 55 runs in 76 balls. Abrar Ahmed took 2 wickets for 44 runs and Shaheen Shah Afridi took 1 wicket for 19 runs, which ended Pakistan’s innings.
Debutant Arafat Minhas produced a sensational spell on his ODI debut. The left-arm spinner took five wickets, including three in a single over. He dismissed Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne before clean bowling Cameron Green for a duck, putting Australia under severe pressure.
Despite some early control from spinners Matthew Kuhnman and Tanvir Sangha, Pakistan easily chased down the 201-run target. Babar Azam Chased the target with 69 runs and made an important partnership of 126 runs for the third wicket with Ghazi Ghori.
Although Nathan Ellis took two late wickets, Pakistan won by five wickets with 45 balls remaining, with Arafat hitting the winning six to end the match in style.
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