Arafat Minhas' Dream ODI Powers Pakistan to 87‑Run Victory over England
Venue: Rawalpindi (Tri‑Series opener)
Result: Pakistan 302/9 (50 overs) beat England 215 (38.4 overs) by 87 runs
Key Performances
| Pakistan | Runs | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Hasan Nawaz | 79 | |
| Arafur Minhas | 59 (maiden ODI fifty) | |
| Faheem Ashraf | 57* | |
| Shaheen Afridi | 2/45 | |
| Haris Rauf | 2/38 | |
| Arafat Minhas (bowling) | 6/40 | 10 overs |
| England | Runs | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Banton | 57 | |
| Ben Duckett | 45 | |
| Joe Root | 31 | |
| Sam Curran | 23* | |
| Sonny Baker | 3/65 | 10 overs |
Match Narrative
-
Pakistan’s chase: After 133/5, the lower order (Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf) added a 78‑run partnership, taking the total past 300. Minhas struck 59 with a mix of fours and sixes, reaching his maiden ODI fifty.
-
England’s reply: A solid opening stand (Banton‑Duckett) gave England a good start, but they managed only 9 runs in the first three overs of the chase. Pakistan’s bowlers struck early wickets; Minhas claimed the crucial wicket of Banton.
-
Bowling collapse: Minhas produced a six‑wicket haul (6/40), dismantling England’s middle order. England added just 38 runs for their last five wickets, falling short by 87 runs.
Takeaways
- Arafat Minhas announced himself on the international stage with a match‑winning all‑round performance (59 runs, 6/40).
- Pakistan’s depth in the lower order proved decisive, turning a precarious 133/5 into a 302‑run total.
- England’s middle order could not recover after the loss of Banton and the subsequent burst from Minhas.
Prepared for cricket news writers – concise, factual, and ready for publication.
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