Arafat Minhas delivered a match-winning all-round performance, scoring 59 and taking six wickets for 40 runs as Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi on October 20. Pakistan made 302 for 9 in 50 overs; England were bowled out for 215 in 38.4 overs.
How Pakistan recovered to post 302
Pakistan were under pressure after losing early wickets, but Hasan Nawaz’s 79 and Minhas’s 59 helped rebuild the innings. Faheem Ashraf added a late 39, lifting the total to 302 for 9 and giving the bowlers a substantial target to defend.
England’s Sonny Baker took three wickets, but Pakistan’s middle and lower order found enough partnerships to keep the scoring moving through the final overs.
Why Arafat Minhas changed the match
Minhas made his impact in both innings. After contributing a half-century, the left-arm spinner took six wickets for 40 runs, breaking England’s chase after they had made a promising start. His figures were central to Pakistan’s 87-run win.
England reached 91 without loss, but the chase unravelled as wickets fell in clusters. Pakistan’s spin attack exploited the middle overs and England were dismissed with more than 11 overs remaining.
What does the result mean for the ODI tri-series?
The victory gave Pakistan a second win in as many matches in the tri-series, strengthening their position early in the competition. England will need to recover quickly and address how their middle order handles spin after a strong opening stand failed to become a match-winning partnership.
Pakistan vs England: match facts
- Pakistan: 302/9 in 50 overs.
- England: 215 all out in 38.4 overs.
- Result: Pakistan won by 87 runs.
- Arafat Minhas: 59 runs and 6/40.
- Hasan Nawaz: 79 runs.
- Next listed fixtures: England face Sri Lanka on October 22; Pakistan meet England again on October 25.
Sources: Pakistan Cricket Board’s match report and The Guardian.
GAWAH News Desk
