Arafat Minhas was the most exceptional player of the match, making a significant contribution with both his bat and ball. He achieved his first half-century in an ODI by scoring 59 off 58 deliveries. Subsequently, he returned figures of 6 for 40 in 8.4 overs, which was his best bowling performance in the format. Player of the Match was awarded to Minhas for his remarkable performance.
On October 20, 2026, Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the second match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi. After posting 302 for 9 in their 50 overs, Pakistan bowled England out for 215 in 38.4 overs to secure a convincing victory.
Hasan Nawaz, who scored 79 off 74 deliveries for his second ODI fifty, also played a critical role in Pakistan’s total. After what appeared to be a challenging middle phase, Pakistan’s innings was built on the foundation of the partnership between Nawaz and Minhas, and the two lower-order contributions helped the team reach a competitive total.
What was the significance of Arafat Minhas’ bowling performance in terms of his ODI career?
The best bowling performance of Arafat Minhas in ODI cricket is 6 for 40. In May 2026, the left-arm spinner made a significant impact on his ODI debut by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to record a five-wicket haul in the format. His performance against England on October 20 exceeded his previous total and further solidified his position as one of Pakistan’s most promising limited-overs bowlers.
His exceptional individual performance was further enhanced by his batting contribution of 59 off 58 balls. In the same match in which he recorded his career-best bowling figures, Arafat Minhas scored his maiden ODI half-century, a combination that secured him the Player of the Match award by a significant margin. His performance underscored his significance to Pakistan as a genuine all-round option in the middle and lower order.
What was the impact of England’s batting collapse on the outcome?
In 38.4 overs, England was dismissed for 215 runs, which was significantly lower than Pakistan’s target of 303. Despite a 91-run opening stand between Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, England fell behind in the chase after a subpar fielding performance, which allowed Pakistan to reach 302 for 9 despite being at 133 for 5 in the 28th over of their innings.
Minhas was the primary destroyer with the ball, claiming six of the ten wickets that fell and achieving a total of six for forty. Pakistan’s 87-run victory and the continuation of their tri-series campaign were assured by their total of 302 for 9, which was significantly bolstered by the contributions of Minhas and Nawaz in the batting innings.
