Arafat Minhas takes six wickets as Pakistan beat England by 87 runs

Arafat Minhas scored 59 and took six wickets as Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, October 20. Pakistan made 302-9 from their 50 overs before dismissing the visitors for 215 in 38.4 overs. The result gave the hosts a second victory in the one-day international tri-series and left England beaten in their opening match.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8HsPzAKzhg

England won the toss and chose to field, and Pakistan slipped to 133-5 before their lower middle order rebuilt the innings. Hasan Nawaz led the scoring with 79 from 74 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes. Arafat contributed 59 from 58 balls, while Faheem Ashraf added 39 from 26. Sonny Baker finished with three wickets for 65 runs and Gus Atkinson took two for 35.

According to BBC Sport's report by Stephan Shemilt, England dropped three catches, including two by wicketkeeper Jordan Cox. One reprieve came when Arafat was on 12, with Pakistan at 190-5 in the 37th over. That missed opportunity allowed a batter who would later dominate with the ball to continue helping Pakistan build a total beyond 300.

England's reply began with a stand of 91 between Ben Duckett and Tom Banton. Duckett was caught off Haris Rauf for 45, and Banton became Arafat's first wicket after making 57 from 53 balls. Arafat then bowled captain Harry Brook for five. Joe Root reached 33 before Naseem Shah bowled him, leaving England 165-4 and still needing 138 runs to win.

The BBC reported that England lost their final seven wickets for 50 runs as Arafat controlled the closing stages. His victims included Cox, Jamie Overton, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid, and he also ran out Atkinson to end the match. His figures of 6-40 were the best by a Pakistan spinner in a men's ODI against England, according to the broadcaster.

Pakistan's two victories put them close to securing a place in the tri-series final. England next face Sri Lanka at the same venue on Thursday, with both teams still seeking their first win. The defeat also ended England's successful recent ODI momentum: they had won their previous three series this year before beginning this winter's programme.