Nawaz and Minhas Power Pakistan to 302 Against England

Pakistan reached 302-9 against England in their tri-series match in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas delivered half-centuries to strengthen the innings. Their contributions helped Pakistan recover from early setbacks and accelerate during the final 10 overs. Nawaz scored 79 from 74 balls, recording his second ODI half-century, while Minhas made 59 from 58 deliveries for his maiden fifty in the format.

According to the match report published by AFP, the pair combined for a crucial sixth-wicket partnership after England chose to field. Nawaz struck four sixes and five boundaries during his innings. He and Minhas added 78 runs for the sixth wicket as England missed three catching opportunities while trying to end the partnership.

Minhas continued to build Pakistan's total alongside Faheem Ashraf, with the pair adding 72 runs for the seventh wicket. Their stand helped Pakistan score 91 runs in the final 10 overs of the innings.

Minhas hit nine fours, while Ashraf contributed 39 runs, including one six and five boundaries. The partnership gave Pakistan additional momentum after the team had lost several wickets during the earlier stages of its innings. England made an immediate breakthrough when Gus Atkinson dismissed Fakhar Zaman with the first ball of the match. Joe Root took the catch at short mid-wicket, leaving Pakistan without an early opening partnership.

Sonny Baker then dismissed Saim Ayub for eight, reducing Pakistan to further difficulty. Baker finished with figures of 3-65, while Atkinson claimed 2-35. Babar Azam scored 34 and Saad Baig made 35 as Pakistan attempted to stabilize the innings following the early wickets. Their contributions helped establish a platform before England removed additional batters.

Salman Agha, who had scored a century in Pakistan's 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match, was dismissed for 16. His departure left the middle order with further responsibility to rebuild the innings. Pakistan's recovery ultimately depended on the partnerships involving Nawaz, Minhas and Ashraf, which helped the team reach 302-9 despite England's early breakthroughs and missed catches.