Pakistan’s 21-year-old all-rounder becomes only the third Pakistani men’s player to score a half-century and take five wickets in the same ODI, inspiring an 87-run victory in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s young all-rounder Arafat Minhas delivered a remarkable performance against England in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, scoring 59 runs and taking six wickets to guide his team to an emphatic 87-run victory in the ODI tri-series.
The 21-year-old became only the third Pakistani men’s player to score a half-century and claim a five-wicket haul in the same one-day international, joining former Pakistan stars Shahid Afridi, who achieved the feat three times, and Abdul Razzaq.
READ MORE: Arafat Minhas stars as Pakistan beat England by 87 runs
The achievement has occurred only 25 times in men’s ODI cricket, placing Arafat alongside several renowned international all-rounders.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 302 for nine, with Arafat contributing a rapid 59 from 58 deliveries. He then produced an impressive spell of left-arm spin, taking six wickets for 40 runs to dismantle England’s batting line-up.
His victims included England captain Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Will Jacks and Jamie Overton.
Speaking after the match, Arafat said he kept his plans simple and varied his line and length to prevent England’s batters from settling. He added that the slower pitch offered greater assistance to spinners than in the opening match.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi praised the youngster’s performance, describing him as a talented, genuine all-rounder and saying his form, alongside that of the fast bowlers, was encouraging for the team.
Shaheen also stressed that Pakistan were building towards next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
England captain Brook lamented the loss of wickets in clusters and the absence of meaningful partnerships during the chase. He also admitted his side had been too cautious against Pakistan’s spinners.
Pakistan had previously defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the tri-series opener. The competition continues with Sri Lanka facing England in Rawalpindi on October 22, followed by matches in Lahore and the final on October 31.
Arafat’s all-round display strengthens his case for future international opportunities as Pakistan continue preparations for the World Cup.