Arafat rips through England as Brook’s men wilt against Pakistan in tri-series opener

Arafat Minhas starred with both bat and ball as Pakistan crushed England by 87 runs in the opening match of the ODI tri-series.

England’s chase began promisingly but quickly unravelled, with Arafat Minhas claiming six wickets for 40 runs after scoring 59 earlier in the innings.

For Pakistan, this was a welcome change after a difficult English summer. Playing on home soil, without facing the threat of Ollie Robinson’s lethal Dukes deliveries, and in a format they are far more accustomed to, the hosts delivered a commanding performance. England fell 87 runs short in their first game of the series.

The spotlight was on 21-year-old Arafat Minhas, playing only his fifth ODI but already making a significant impact. He finished with remarkable bowling figures of six for 40. And he can bat too. Coming in at No 7, the youngster struck a half-century, reviving Pakistan’s innings alongside fellow newcomer Hasan Nawaz after the team slipped to 81 for four, eventually reaching a total of 302.