Pakistan ended their seven-year wait for an ODI win against England with an emphatic 87-run victory at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Arafat Minhas emerged as the match-winning star, combining a valuable half-century with a sensational six-wicket haul to dismantle England’s batting lineup.
Defending a target of 303, Pakistan bowled England out for 215 in 38.4 overs. The result marked Pakistan’s second successive victory in the tri-nation series, following their 37-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening match.
Pakistan’s previous ODI victory against England came during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, when they secured a 14-run win in Nottingham. Their latest triumph was considerably more convincing, as England suffered a dramatic collapse after making a promising start to the chase.
Pakistan vs England ODI: Arafat Minhas Turns the Game Around
England appeared well positioned early in their pursuit of 303, with Tom Banton and Ben Duckett building a 91-run opening partnership. Their confident start put Pakistan under pressure before Haris Rauf provided the breakthrough by dismissing Duckett for 43 from 46 balls, including eight boundaries.
Banton continued to attack and reached his half-century, scoring 57 off 53 deliveries with five fours and two sixes. However, Minhas soon removed the opener before bowling England captain Harry Brook for just five, leaving the visitors at 128 for three.
The double strike changed the complexion of the match and gave Pakistan renewed control. England had looked comfortable during the opening overs, but the loss of two key batters allowed the hosts to build pressure through disciplined bowling.
Joe Root and Sam Curran attempted to rebuild the innings as England searched for stability. Root made 33 from 35 balls, hitting five boundaries, before Naseem Shah bowled him to leave England at 165 for four.
Rauf then dismissed Curran for 27 off 39 deliveries. With wickets falling and the required run rate climbing, England’s chances of reaching the target began to fade.
Arafat Minhas Claims Six Wickets as England Collapse
Minhas took complete control of the contest during England’s middle and lower-order collapse. He first dismissed Jordan Cox for 18 before removing Jamie Overton for one, pushing England to 198 for seven.
The 21-year-old continued his outstanding spell by sending Will Jacks back for 19. He then trapped Adil Rashid lbw for a first-ball duck, completing his five-wicket haul and leaving England on the verge of defeat.
Minhas finished with remarkable figures of six wickets for 40 runs in 8.4 overs. His contribution proved decisive, particularly after his earlier innings had helped Pakistan establish a competitive total.
He also played a role in the final dismissal, running out Gus Atkinson following a mix-up between the batters. England lost their last seven wickets for fewer than 50 runs and were dismissed for 215.
Rauf finished with two wickets, while Naseem Shah claimed one. Minhas’s exceptional all-round performance ultimately defined the Pakistan vs England ODI, turning a competitive contest into a commanding victory for the home side.
Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas Rescue Pakistan’s Innings
Earlier, Pakistan faced a difficult challenge after England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to field. The hosts lost Fakhar Zaman on the first ball of the innings, caught by Root off Gus Atkinson.
Saim Ayub managed only eight runs before Sonny Baker dismissed him, putting Pakistan under early pressure. Babar Azam attempted to stabilise the innings with 34 from 52 deliveries, but Will Jacks bowled him to leave Pakistan struggling at 59 for three.
Salman Ali Agha, who had scored a century against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, could contribute only 16 runs before falling to Adil Rashid. Saad Baig added 35, but his dismissal at 133 for five left Pakistan facing the prospect of a below-par score.
Hasan Nawaz and Minhas then delivered the partnership Pakistan desperately needed. Hasan played an aggressive innings of 79 from 74 balls, striking five fours and four sixes, while Minhas contributed 59 off 58 deliveries, including nine boundaries.
Their 78-run stand revived Pakistan’s innings and helped the team move towards the 300-run mark. Hasan eventually fell to Jamie Overton, while Baker dismissed Minhas when Pakistan reached 283 for seven.
Faheem Ashraf Powers Pakistan Beyond 300
Pakistan continued to collect valuable runs in the closing overs, thanks largely to Faheem Ashraf’s late contribution. He struck 39 from just 26 deliveries, including five fours and a six, before Sam Curran ended his innings.
Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 10, while Haris Rauf finished not out on four. Pakistan closed their 50 overs at 302 for nine, setting England a challenging target of 303.
Baker led England’s bowling effort with three wickets, while Atkinson took two. Jacks, Overton, Rashid and Curran claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan’s recovery after losing early wickets proved crucial. Hasan’s attacking half-century, Minhas’s all-round contribution and Ashraf’s late surge combined to give the bowlers a strong total to defend.
Pakistan Strengthen Their Position in the Tri-Nation Series
The 87-run victory gave Pakistan back-to-back wins in the three-team tournament, which also features Sri Lanka. The result strengthened their position as the competition continued in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore.
For England, the defeat highlighted the cost of failing to capitalise on a strong opening partnership. After reaching a promising position in the chase, the visitors struggled to withstand Pakistan’s bowling attack once the middle order began to fall.
For Pakistan, Minhas was the standout performer of the contest. His 59 runs and six wickets for 40 runs demonstrated his value with both bat and ball, while Hasan Nawaz’s 79 and Faheem Ashraf’s late hitting helped lay the foundation for victory.
Pakistan will look to carry that momentum into the remaining fixtures as they pursue success in the tri-nation series.
