Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the tri-series opener in Rawalpindi, driven by Arafat Minhas’s half-century and six-wicket haul that triggered a decisive English batting collapse.
RAWALPINDI — A sensational all-round display from 21-year-old Arafat Minhas propelled Pakistan to an emphatic 87-run victory over England, handing Harry Brook’s side a chastening start to their winter one-day international tri-series.
Arafat followed a crucial half-century with career-best bowling figures of 6 for 40, triggering a dramatic England collapse from 197 for 5 to 214 all out inside 39 overs.
Brook won the toss and opted to field, with England making an instant breakthrough when Gus Atkinson struck with the first ball of the match, having Fakhar Zaman caught by Joe Root. Pakistan struggled early, slumping to 81 for 4 and later 133 for 5, with Babar Azam bowled through the gate by Will Jacks.
However, Pakistan mounted a fierce counter-attack through Hasan Nawaz (79 off 5 boundaries and 4 sixes) and Arafat (59). Despite an economical spell from Jamie Overton (1 for 38), England’s lapses in the field allowed the hosts to plunder 91 runs from the final 10 overs and post a commanding 302 for 9. Sonny Baker claimed 3 for 65 for the tourists.
In response, England’s chase began briskly. Tom Banton (57) and Ben Duckett (45) compiled a fluent 91-run opening partnership, blunting Pakistan’s frontline seamers.
The momentum shifted decisively once Arafat entered the attack. The young left-arm spinner broke the opening stand by removing Banton, then produced a sharp-turning delivery to bowl Brook through the gate.
Though Root (33) and Sam Curran (27) attempted to rebuild, both fell to returning pacemen Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. With England wobbling, Arafat ripped through the lower order, trapping Jordan Cox lbw, having Jacks and Overton caught, and pinning Adil Rashid leg-before to seal his maiden five-wicket haul.
The match ended in farce when Atkinson was run out after a mix-up left both batsmen stranded at the same end, leaving Pakistan to celebrate a dominant opening triumph in the series.
