Arafat Minhas Stuns England as Pakistan Win Tri-Series Opener 2026

Arafat Minhas produced a stunning all-round performance to help Pakistan defeat England by 87 runs in the opening match of their ODI tri-series. The 21-year-old left-arm spinner took six for 40 and effected a run-out as England, chasing 303, were bowled out for 215 in 38.4 overs.

Minhas, playing only his fifth ODI, first rescued Pakistan with a half-century from No 7, then returned to dismantle England's batting line-up with a magical delivery to dismiss Harry Brook. His direct hit to run out Gus Atkinson sealed the victory with 11.2 overs remaining.

Minhas Stars with Bat and Ball

Pakistan were in trouble at 81 for four after Fakhar Zaman was out to the first ball of the innings and Saim Ayub was bounced out by Sonny Baker for eight. Minhas joined Hasan Nawaz and the pair rebuilt the innings, with Minhas striking a composed half-century.

Nawaz also contributed, and together they lifted Pakistan to a competitive total of 302. Minhas then took centre stage with the ball, removing Brook with a delivery that turned sharply and clipped the top of off stump.

• Arafat Minhas recorded figures of 6 for 40, his best ODI bowling.
• Minhas also scored a half-century from No 7 to rescue Pakistan from 81 for four.
• England were bowled out for 215, losing by 87 runs.
• Harry Brook was dismissed by a magical delivery from Minhas.
• Minhas ran out Gus Atkinson to end the match.

England's Batting Collapse

England were in a decent position at 165 for three, but Minhas and the other Pakistan bowlers triggered a collapse. They lost their last seven wickets for just 50 runs, with Minhas accounting for Brook and others.

The defeat is a setback for England, who are using this tri-series to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The absence of Ollie Robinson, who was rested, meant England's attack lacked the Dukes-ball threat that troubled Pakistan in the Test series.

Pakistan, on the other hand, looked far more comfortable in the 50-over format and were buoyed by a home crowd. The victory is a welcome relief after their disappointing English summer.

Key Performances

What This Means for the Tri-Series

Pakistan will take confidence from this win, while England need to regroup quickly. The tri-series also involves New Zealand, and England will need to find solutions to their batting woes against spin.

Minhas's emergence as a genuine all-rounder is a huge boost for Pakistan. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team valuable balance. England, meanwhile, will hope that Brook and the rest of the batting order can learn from this defeat.

As Brook and Jacks lead resurgent England into tri-series with World Cup ambitions, this loss highlights the challenges ahead. The team's inability to handle spin on a turning track is a concern.

England's bowlers, without the services of Ollie Robinson, who shone as England dominated the Lord's Test against Pakistan, struggled to contain Pakistan's lower order. Robinson's absence was felt as Pakistan recovered from 81 for four.

This match also served as a reminder of the chaotic Test summer England endured against Pakistan, where they were often outplayed by Pakistan's spin. The tri-series is a chance for England to adapt, but this defeat shows there is work to do.

Minhas's performance will also raise questions about Ollie Robinson's feats against Pakistan failing to convince England's old guard, as the selectors ponder the best bowling combination for the World Cup.

England's batting, which had looked strong in taking control against Pakistan on Day 2 of the first Test, was undone by Minhas's spin. The team will need to find a way to counter quality left-arm spin if they are to succeed in the World Cup.

Pakistan's fightback, led by Minhas, was reminiscent of Razaullah lighting up Pakistan's fightback against England in the third Test, showing the depth of talent in Pakistan cricket. England must regroup quickly before their next match.

FAQ