Hasan Nawaz’s 79 off 74 balls and a late 72-run partnership between Arafat Minhas and Faheem Ashraf help Pakistan recover from early setbacks in the ODI tri-series.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan recovered from a disastrous start to post 302 for nine in 50 overs against England in the second match of the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

England need 303 runs to win at a required run rate of 6.06 per over after Pakistan’s middle-order resistance and late fireworks lifted the hosts beyond the 300-run mark.

Hasan Nawaz led Pakistan’s recovery with an aggressive 79 off 74 deliveries, striking four sixes to turn the innings around after England’s early breakthroughs. He shared a crucial 78-run partnership with Arafat Minhas before Jamie Overton dismissed him with Pakistan at 211 for six.

England had made an excellent start after electing to bowl first. Gus Atkinson dismissed Fakhar Zaman for a golden duck on the opening delivery, while Sonny Baker removed Saim Ayub for eight.

Babar Azam and Saad Baig attempted to stabilise the innings, but England continued to take wickets at key moments. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid contributed with the ball, while Atkinson returned to dismiss Baig, leaving Pakistan struggling at 133 for five.

Pakistan, however, staged a strong late recovery through Minhas and Faheem Ashraf, who put together a rapid 72-run stand in the final stages.

Baker claimed three wickets for 65 runs, but Pakistan’s lower order maintained the momentum. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf added valuable boundaries towards the end to push the total to 302 for nine.

Pakistan will now look to their bowling attack to defend the target and secure victory in the tri-series encounter.