Arafat Minhas delivered a decisive all-round performance as Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the second One-Day International of the Tri-Nation series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The victory marked Pakistan's second consecutive win in the tournament, which also includes Sri Lanka. According to Khaleej Times, Minhas scored a maiden ODI half-century and claimed a career-best six wickets to anchor the comprehensive result.
Pakistan reached 302 for 9 after Hasan Nawaz and Minhas rescued the innings from a precarious position. Khaleej Times reported that "Nawaz and Minhas earlier lifted Pakistan from a precarious 133-5," with Nawaz scoring 79 off 74 balls and Minhas adding 59 from 58. The pair shared a 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket, during which England dropped three catches. Minhas also added 72 for the seventh wicket alongside Faheem Ashraf, who scored 39, as Pakistan added 91 runs in the final 10 overs.
In reply, England were bowled out for 215 in 38.4 overs despite a confident start by Tom Banton and Ben Duckett. Khaleej Times noted that "Banton smashed five fours and two sixes in his 53-ball knock," finishing with 57, while Duckett contributed 45. However, England lost their last nine wickets for 95 runs after reaching 120 for 1. Minhas took 6 for 40 with his left-arm spin, dismissing Banton, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, and Jamie Overton. He also ran out the final batter to complete his spell. Naseem Shah took the wicket of Joe Root for 33, and Haris Rauf dismissed Sam Curran for 27.
England captain Harry Brook attributed the defeat to a lack of batting partnerships, stating that while the openers set a good tone, the team failed to build on it. Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, highlighting the form of Minhas and the fast bowlers as positive indicators ahead of next year's World Cup. England will face Sri Lanka in the third match of the series on Thursday in Rawalpindi.