Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas fifties power Pakistan to 302

England require 303 runs to win the opening match of their ODI tri‑series after Pakistan posted a total of 302 for nine at Rawalpindi.

The hosts’ innings was built around a productive partnership between Hasan Nawaz (79) and Arafat Minhas (59). Their fifth‑wicket stand of 78 runs turned the tide after an unsteady start, with Minhas adding a crucial 72‑run duo with Faheem Ashraf (39) to accelerate the scoring.

Nawaz, who had scored only one half‑century in his previous five ODI appearances, produced a career‑best 79 that underscored his growing potential. Minhas, meanwhile, celebrated his first international fifty, which came at a pivotal moment when Pakistan needed momentum.

Pakistan were initially reduced to 81 for four in the 19th over, thanks to England’s disciplined bowling. However, a series of dropped catches—Nawaz at 28 and Minhas three times, the most costly on 12—allowed the hosts to recover. Sonny Baker ultimately finished with career‑best figures of 3 for 65, removing both Minhas and Ashraf.

Other contributions included Salman Agha’s 16‑run cameo (following a 107‑run innings against Sri Lanka) and Saad Baig’s 19 runs, which added stability. Nawaz hit four sixes during his 74‑ball innings, including an immediate six off Adil Rashid, and later reached his half‑century with a crisp cut for four off 46 deliveries.

England’s bowling saw early success when Fakhar Zaman was caught at mid‑wicket, and Saim Ayub was dismissed after being drawn onto a short ball. However, lapses in catching and line‑length allowed Pakistan to cross the 300‑run mark, with Haris Rauf smashing the final delivery over mid‑wicket.

The match highlighted Pakistan’s resilience and England’s improved 50‑over capabilities, setting the stage for a competitive tri‑series campaign.