Pakistan crush England by 87 runs as Arafat Minhas takes six wickets

He scored 59 runs before taking six wickets for 40 runs to help Pakistan secure victory in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan recover from early setbacks to score 302

England won the toss and chose to bowl first, but Pakistan finished with 302 runs for nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The hosts had a difficult start as Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a duck on the first ball, while Saim Ayub scored eight runs before losing his wicket.

Babar Azam also departed after scoring 34 runs, leaving Pakistan needing a strong recovery. Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas then built an important partnership to put the innings back on track.

Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas lead the recovery

Hasan Nawaz scored 79 runs off 74 balls, while Minhas made 59 off 58 deliveries to strengthen Pakistan’s total. Faheem Ashraf added 39 runs, Saad Baig scored 35, and Salman Ali Agha contributed 16.

For England, Sonny Baker took three wickets, while Gus Atkinson claimed two. Pakistan’s late contributions helped the team reach a competitive total of 302 runs.

Arafat Minhas destroys England’s batting lineup

England struggled while chasing the target of 303 and were bowled out for 215 in the 39th over. Tom Banton top-scored with 57 runs, while Ben Duckett made 45 and Joe Root contributed 33.

Minhas proved decisive with his spin bowling, taking six wickets for 40 runs and preventing England from building a strong partnership. His performance completed an outstanding match in which he contributed significantly with both bat and ball.

Pakistan continue winning run in the series

The victory gave Pakistan their second consecutive win in the tri-nation ODI series. They had beaten Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match.

Pakistan will look to maintain this momentum in their remaining matches. Minhas’ performance has also given the team another option who can contribute in both batting and bowling.

A promising all-round performance

Pakistan showed their ability to recover after losing early wickets and post a total above 300. Minhas’ six-wicket haul then turned the match in Pakistan’s favour, while Hasan Nawaz’s half-century provided important support.

The team’s main challenge will be to maintain consistency against other opponents. Strong starts with the bat and disciplined bowling will remain important as the series continues.