Arafat Minhas Stars with Bat and Ball as Pakistan Defeat England in ODI Tri-Series

Arafat Minhas Rips Through England With Six Wickets in Rawalpindi

Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the opening match of their one-day international tri-series at Rawalpindi, as 21-year-old all-rounder Arafat Minhas claimed career-best bowling figures of six for 40, according to The Guardian. Minhas also contributed 59 runs with the bat and executed a direct-hit run-out to end England’s chase at 215 all out in 38.4 overs. The victory marks a strong start in the 50-over format for Pakistan following their struggles earlier in the English summer, The Guardian reported.

Hasan Nawaz and Minhas Rescue Pakistan From Early Top-Order Collapse

Pakistan recovered from a sluggish start after losing the toss, slipping to 81 for four in the 19th over when Gus Atkinson struck with the first ball of the match to remove Fakhar Zaman. Will Jacks added pressure by bowling Babar Azam, while Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, a centurion against Sri Lanka on Sunday, fell to cross-batted shots.

Hasan Nawaz stepped in to revive the innings, blasting three sixes off Adil Rashid on his way to 79 runs before being bowled by an 87mph yorker from Jamie Overton. Nawaz and Saad Baig added 52 runs for the fifth wicket, while Minhas contributed 58 balls for his 59 runs and Faheem Ashraf added a rapid 39 off 26 deliveries. Pakistan pushed their total to 302 for nine by collecting 91 runs from the final 10 overs.

Tom Banton and Ben Duckett Build Opening Partnership Before Collapse

England’s chase began positively when Tom Banton and Ben Duckett put on 91 runs for the first wicket. Banton reached his third successive half-century, scoring 57 runs before hitting a short ball from Minhas to midwicket in the 19th over. Duckett added 45 before being dismissed by a short delivery from Haris Rauf.

The innings unraveled when Minhas bowled Harry Brook for five with a delivery that turned and clipped the top of off-stump. Joe Root contributed 33 before playing onto a low delivery from Naseem Shah, and Sam Curran fell for 27 to Rauf. England slumped from 197 for five to 214 all out, with Minhas securing the final wickets and running out Gus Atkinson to seal the win with 11.2 overs remaining.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tri-Series Opener

What were Arafat Minhas’s exact figures in the match?

Minhas finished with bowling figures of six wickets for 40 runs in 10 overs, scored 59 runs off 58 deliveries with the bat, and executed the final run-out.

How many teams are competing in this one-day international series?

The tri-series features Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan having previously defeated Sri Lanka in their opening weekend fixture.

Who was England’s top scorer in the run chase?

Tom Banton led England’s batting with 57 runs before he was dismissed by Minhas in the 19th over.

More on Pakistan: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Review Progress on Makkah Defence Pact as New Envoy Meets Army Chief · Pakistan Reports Seventh Polio Case of 2026 with Karachi's First Infection in Nearly Two Years · Pakistan Suspends Trade at Iran Border Crossings Over Security Concerns