PAK vs ENG: Arafat Minhas Creates ODI History! Scores a Half-Century and Takes 6 Wickets in a Stunning Performance

Pakistan’s young all-rounder Arafat Minhas delivered a remarkable performance against England, making a major impact with both bat and ball. The left-handed batter first rescued Pakistan’s innings with a valuable half-century before returning to dismantle England’s batting lineup with his left-arm spin.

According to the report, Minhas became only the seventh player in ODI history to score at least 50 runs and take six wickets in the same match. His all-round brilliance helped Pakistan secure an impressive 87-run victory in the second match of the tri-series.

Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas Rescue Pakistan

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Pakistan suffered an early setback when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed off the very first ball by Gus Atkinson. The pressure continued as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals.

Babar Azam and Saad Baig attempted to stabilise the innings, but Pakistan found itself in trouble with five wickets down for 133 runs.

That was when Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas stepped up. The pair formed a crucial partnership for the sixth wicket, adding 78 runs to revive Pakistan’s innings and shift the momentum.

Hasan Nawaz played an impressive knock of 79 runs from 74 deliveries. After his dismissal, Minhas continued the fight, combining with Faheem Ashraf for another valuable partnership of 72 runs for the seventh wicket.

Pakistan accelerated during the final 10 overs, collecting 91 runs to finish with a competitive total of 302 for nine in 50 overs. Minhas contributed 59 crucial runs, proving his importance to the team’s recovery.

England’s Strong Start Turns Into a Batting Collapse

Chasing 303 for victory, England initially looked well placed to challenge Pakistan’s total. Tom Banton and Ben Duckett provided an aggressive start, helping England reach 120 for one.

However, the match took a dramatic turn when Arafat Minhas found his rhythm with the ball.

He first removed Banton, who had been looking dangerous, before bowling Harry Brook with a sharply turning delivery. Minhas continued to trouble England’s batters, dismissing Jordan Cox, Will Jacks and Jamie Overton as the innings began to unravel.

England’s collapse was sudden and decisive. After reaching 120 for one, the team lost its remaining nine wickets for just 95 runs and was bowled out for 215 in 38.4 overs.

Pakistan ultimately secured an emphatic 87-run win, with Minhas emerging as the standout performer of the match.

A Rare Double That Places Minhas in the Record Books

Scoring a half-century and taking six wickets in a single ODI is an extraordinary achievement. It requires a player to make a substantial contribution with the bat and then deliver a match-changing performance with the ball.

Minhas’s performance was particularly impressive because his batting helped Pakistan recover from a difficult position before his bowling dismantled England’s chase.

The reported feat places him among a select group of players who have achieved this rare combination in ODI cricket. It also highlights the value of genuine all-rounders who can influence a match in both innings.

Can Arafat Minhas Become Pakistan’s Next Big All-Rounder?

Performances like this can significantly raise expectations around a young cricketer. Minhas demonstrated composure under pressure with the bat and attacking control with the ball, giving Pakistan a promising all-round option.

However, consistency will be the real test. Repeating such performances against different opponents and in challenging conditions will determine how important a role he can establish in Pakistan’s international setup.

For now, his reported achievement against England stands out as a memorable all-round display—one that helped Pakistan claim victory and brought the young cricketer into the spotlight.