All-Round Brilliance from Minhas Leads Pakistan to Convincing Win Over England
Pakistan secured a dominant victory against England in the tri-series opener at Pindi Stadium behind a stellar all-round display from Minhas. After half-centuries from Hasan Nawaz and Minhas guided the hosts to 302-9, Minhas claimed six wickets to trigger an English batting collapse. England were ultimately bowled out for 215, falling well short of the target.
A commanding all-round performance from Minhas propelled Pakistan to victory over England in the opening match of the tri-series at Pindi Stadium.
After Pakistan posted a competitive total of 302-9, Minhas produced a devastating spell of left-arm spin, claiming 6-40 to dismiss England for 215 in 38.4 overs. The all-rounder capped his exceptional outing by executing a run-out for the final wicket.
England appeared to be in control during the early stages of their chase, reaching 120-1 behind a solid platform laid by Tom Banton and Ben Duckett. Banton compiled a rapid 57 from 53 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, while Duckett added 45. However, the innings unraveled dramatically as England lost their final nine wickets for just 95 runs.
Minhas initiated the collapse by having Banton caught from a miscued pull shot. He followed up by bowling Harry Brook for five with sharp turn, before trapping Jordan Cox for 18. Later, Minhas completed his second career five-wicket haul by claiming the wickets of Will Jacks for 19 and Jamie Overton for one. Naseem Shah also made an impact by dismissing Joe Root for 33, and Haris Rauf removed the dangerous Sam Curran for 27 to snuff out any remaining resistance.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan overcame a difficult start after Gus Atkinson removed Fakhar Zaman on the very first delivery of the contest, caught by Root at short mid-wicket. Sonny Baker soon dismissed Saim Ayub for eight to leave the hosts at 2-31, though Babar Azam with 34 and Saad Baig with 35 briefly steadied the top order. Baker finished as England's top wicket-taker with 3-65, while Atkinson claimed 2-35.
Pakistan were in trouble at 133-5 before Nawaz and Minhas orchestrated a crucial recovery. Nawaz struck 79 off 74 balls, hitting five boundaries and four sixes, while sharing a 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Minhas as England missed opportunities by dropping three catches. Following Nawaz's departure, Minhas joined forces with Faheem Ashraf to put on an invaluable 72 runs for the seventh wicket. Minhas struck nine fours in his 58-ball 59, while Ashraf contributed 39 with five boundaries and a six, powering Pakistan to 91 runs in the final 10 overs.
Following the defeat, England will look to rebound when they face Sri Lanka in the third match of the series in Rawalpindi on Thursday.