Pakistan Crush England by 87 Runs in Rawalpindi: Arafat Minhas Six-For Seals Back-to-Back Tri-Series Wins
Rawalpindi, Pakistan — Pakistan 🇵🇰 stamped their authority at the summit of the home One-Day International tri-series on Tuesday night, demolishing England 🏴 by 87 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The triumph marked Pakistan’s largest ODI victory margin by runs over England since 2005 and made it two consecutive wins from two matches following their opening 37-run victory over Sri Lanka.
The night belonged emphatically to 21-year-old rising all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who delivered a masterclass with both bat and ball. After contributing a poised 59 in Pakistan’s total of 302/9, Minhas spun a mesmerizing web around England’s batting lineup to take career-best figures of 6/40 in 8.4 overs.
- Match: Pakistan vs England, 2nd ODI (Tri-Series)
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Scores: Pakistan 302/9 in 50 ov; England 215 all out in 38.4 ov
- Result: Pakistan won by 87 runs
- Player of the Match: Arafat Minhas (59 runs & 6/40)
- Key Milestone: Pakistan’s biggest ODI victory by runs over England since 2005
Hasan Nawaz and Minhas Rebuild Pakistan to 302/9
Inserted to bat by England captain Harry Brook on a crisp evening, Pakistan encountered early disaster. Aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman departed on the very first delivery of the match to Sonny Baker (3/65), and when Babar Azam (34) and Saad Baig (35) fell in succession, Pakistan were wobbling at 81/4 in the 19th over.
Enter Hasan Nawaz, who launched a fearless counter-offensive. Nawaz struck 79 off 74 balls, punishing England’s seamers with five boundaries and four towering sixes. Alongside him, youngster Arafat Minhas displayed supreme composure, compiling 59 off 58 balls with nine crisp fours. A late power hitting burst from Faheem Ashraf (39 off 26 balls) pushed Pakistan past the 300 mark for the second consecutive fixture, ending on 302/9.
England Collapse: 10 Wickets for 124 Runs as Minhas Claims 6/40
In response, England’s chase initially surged in dominant fashion. Openers Tom Banton (57) and Ben Duckett (45) raced to 91/0 inside 15 overs, appearing in complete control of the asking rate. However, the introduction of Haris Rauf (2/48) produced the vital breakthrough, dismissing Duckett and exposing England’s middle order to the spin of Minhas.
From that moment forward, England suffered an astonishing collapse, losing all 10 wickets for just 124 runs. Minhas removed Banton, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith in quick succession, mixing drift with sharp turn. Minhas cleaned up the tail to finish with 6/40—the second-best ODI bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler on home soil in history, behind only Shoaib Akhtar’s iconic 6/16 against New Zealand in 2002.
England were bundled out for 215 in 38.4 overs, cementing Pakistan’s spot at the top of the tri-series table as the tournament heads to Lahore for the second leg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the margin of Pakistan’s win over England?
Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, their largest ODI winning margin by runs against England since 2005.
What records did Arafat Minhas break?
Arafat Minhas recorded 6/40, the second-best ODI bowling figures by any Pakistani bowler on home soil, trailing only Shoaib Akhtar (6/16 in 2002).
Who were Pakistan’s top run-scorers?
Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 79 off 74 balls, while Arafat Minhas made 59 and Faheem Ashraf contributed a quickfire 39.
What is Pakistan’s current standing in the tri-series?
Pakistan sit undefeated at the top of the tri-series standings with two wins from two matches (beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs and England by 87 runs).
