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Arafat Minhas guides Pakistan past England, team climbs to fourth in ODI rankings
Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in a one-day international tri-series opener in Rawalpindi, with Arafat Minhas scoring 59 and taking 6-40 with his left-arm spin. The victory lifted Pakistan to fourth place in the ICC ODI team rankings, just one point behind South Africa, while Minhas made significant individual ranking gains across bowling and all-rounder categories.
Quick Facts
- Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in ODI tri-series match
- Arafat Minhas scored 59 runs batting at No. 7
- Minhas took 6-40 with left-arm spin bowling
- Minhas ran out Gus Atkinson to secure victory
- Pakistan recovered from 81-4 to post 302-9
Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in their opening match of a one-day international tri-series in Rawalpindi on October 20, 2026, with 21-year-old all-rounder Arafat Minhas delivering a decisive all-round performance. Pakistan batted first and recovered from 81-4 to reach 302-9, with Minhas scoring 59 off 58 balls and Hasan Nawaz contributing 79 off 74 balls. England's chase faltered despite an opening partnership of 91 between Ben Duckett (45) and Tom Banton (57), ultimately collapsing to 215 all out in 38.4 overs. Minhas took 6-40 with his left-arm spin, the best figures by a Pakistan spinner against England in ODI history, and also ran out Gus Atkinson to secure victory.
The win represents Pakistan's second consecutive victory in the tri-series, following an earlier defeat of Sri Lanka. The tri-series format, held across Pakistan, is designed to prepare teams for the 50-over World Cup scheduled for southern Africa in 2027. England began their winter tour programme without several first-choice players, including Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Jacob Bethell, and dropped three catches during Pakistan's innings.
Minhas' performance elevated him significantly in ICC rankings. In the ODI bowling rankings, he surged 33 places to 83rd with 411 points following his six-wicket haul. In the all-rounders' standings, he climbed 89 places to 68th with 108 points, recording the biggest gain among Pakistan's all-rounders. Pakistan's team rankings also improved substantially. The country moved to fourth place in the ICC Men's ODI team rankings with 103 rating points, surpassing Australia (fifth) and positioning themselves one point behind third-placed South Africa. India leads the standings with 115 points, followed by New Zealand on 109.
Topics
Why This Matters
Pakistan's ODI ranking advancement to fourth place (103 points) reflects measurable progress toward 2027 World Cup readiness, with the tri-series serving as structured preparation. Minhas's career-high bowling performance (6-40) and substantial ranking gains (33 places in bowling, 89 places in all-rounders) establish him as a core contributor to Pakistan's squad depth. England's tour without key players (Buttler, Archer, Bethell) and their fielding errors (three dropped catches) indicate squad management trade-offs during winter preparation. The tri-series format directly supports World Cup preparation with matches held in Pakistan before the tournament in southern Africa.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 20, 2026
WirePakistan defeats England by 87 runs in ODI tri-series match at Rawalpindi
Oct 20, 2026
WireArafat Minhas scores 59 runs and takes 6-40 bowling figures
Oct 21, 2026
WireMinhas surges 33 places to 83rd in ICC ODI bowling rankings
Oct 21, 2026
WireMinhas climbs 89 places to 68th in ICC ODI all-rounders rankings
Related Signals
Sources
- Arafat rips through England as Brook’s men wilt against Pakistan in tri-series openerThe GuardianMediaOct 20, 2026
- Pakistan vs England: Sloppy visitors floored by Arafat Minhas in RawalpindiBBCMediaOct 20, 2026
- England slump to defeat against Pakistan in ODI tri-series after faltering chasing 303 in RawalpindiSky SportsMediaOct 20, 2026
- Arafat Minhas makes massive gains in ICC rankingsThe Express TribuneMediaOct 21, 2026
- Pakistan overtake Australia in ICC ODI rankings after Arafat Minhas heroicsGulf NewsMediaOct 21, 2026