Arafat Minhas hit 59 and took six for 40 as Pakistan flattened England in Rawalpindi, a statement start to the ODI tri-series.
Cricket fans across Africa's South Asian communities, and the wider game-loving diaspora, have a new young name to talk about. Arafat Minhas, just 21 and playing his fifth ODI, powered Pakistan to an 87-run win over England in the opening match of the tri-series in Rawalpindi.
Minhas did the damage with both bat and ball. Coming in at No 7, he made a fine 59 and, alongside fellow newcomer Hasan Nawaz, rescued Pakistan from a shaky 81 for four. The pair turned a wobble into a platform, and Pakistan finished on 302.
Then came the main event. England, led by Harry Brook, made a brisk start in the chase, but the innings unravelled quickly once Minhas got going. His six for 40 was a stunning spell for such an inexperienced player, and it left England well short of the target.
The result will be a welcome lift for Pakistan after a bruising English summer. Back at home, in white-ball cricket, and with no Dukes ball to contend with, they looked far more comfortable. For England, the collapse from a promising position is a sharp reminder of how tough these conditions can be. Pakistan's young core has made a loud opening statement.
