Arafat Minhas takes six wickets as Pakistan crush England

RAWALPINDI: Arafat Minhas produced a stunning all-round performance, smashing his maiden ODI half-century before claiming six wickets to power Pakistan to an 88-run victory over England in the second match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing 303 for victory, England were bowled out for 215 in 38.4 overs after a promising start threatened to put them in control of the contest.

Tom Banton led England’s early charge with 57 off 53 balls, while Ben Duckett contributed 45 from 46 deliveries. The pair shared a 91-run opening stand in 14.3 overs, giving the visitors a strong foundation.

Pakistan, however, responded brilliantly in the middle overs, breaking England’s momentum and reducing them to 128 for three. Captain Harry Brook managed just five runs before Joe Root and Sam Curran attempted to rebuild the innings.

Root scored 33, while Curran added 27, but Minhas dismissed Root in the 28th over to trigger a decisive collapse. England lost their final five wickets for just 38 runs, with Minhas finishing with remarkable figures of six for 40 in 8.4 overs. He also ran out Gus Atkinson for seven, while Haris Rauf claimed two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan recovered from a difficult start to post 302 for nine after England captain Harry Brook elected to field.

The hosts slipped to 31 for two inside the first six overs, putting pressure on the middle order. Babar Azam scored 34 off 52 balls before Saad Baig contributed 35, but Pakistan needed a more aggressive response to build a competitive total.

Hasan Nawaz provided the breakthrough with an attacking 79 off 74 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes. He then joined forces with Minhas, who scored 59 off 58 balls, as the pair added 78 runs for the sixth wicket.

Minhas later combined with Faheem Ashraf, who struck a brisk 39 off 26 balls, in a 72-run partnership that lifted Pakistan beyond 300.

Sonny Baker was England’s leading bowler with three for 65.

Minhas’s match-winning contribution with both bat and ball made him the standout performer as Pakistan secured a commanding victory and strengthened their position in the tri-series.