RAWALPINDI — Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas has carved his name into the record books, becoming only the third Pakistani cricketer to score a half-century and claim five or more wickets in the same One Day International.
The milestone came during Pakistan’s commanding victory over England in the second match of the tri-nation series at Rawalpindi, where Minhas produced a decisive performance with both bat and ball.
Pakistan Set Imposing Total After Being Asked to Bat
England won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially appeared sound as Pakistan built their innings. The hosts posted 302 for nine in their allotted 50 overs, with Minhas contributing a valuable 59 runs to the total.
His contribution with the bat proved crucial in lifting Pakistan to a competitive score on a surface that offered assistance to both batters and bowlers.
Six-Wicket Haul Dismantles England Chase
Minhas then turned architect of England’s downfall, claiming six wickets for just 40 runs as the visitors were bowled out for 215 in the 39th over. His spell tore through the English batting order, denying them any foothold in the chase.
The all-round display earned Pakistan a comprehensive victory and underlined Minhas’s growing stature as a genuine match-winner in the 50-over format.
Elite Company Alongside Afridi and Razzaq
Minhas joins an exclusive group of Pakistani cricketers to have achieved the fifty-plus-five-wicket double in ODI cricket:
- Shahid Afridi — the former Pakistan captain accomplished the feat three times, the most by any player in international cricket. His first came against England in Lahore in 2000, when he scored 61 runs and took five wickets for 40 runs.
- Abdul Razzaq — reached the milestone in 2000 against India, scoring 70 runs and claiming five wickets in the same match.
- Arafat Minhas — the latest entrant, following his 59-run contribution and six-wicket haul against England in Rawalpindi.
The achievement places the young all-rounder in distinguished company and signals his potential to become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s limited-overs setup in the years ahead.
