England lose opening tri-series ODI to Pakistan in Rawalpindi
England lost by 87 runs to Pakistan in a one-day international tri-series match in Rawalpindi. Pakistan's Arafat Minhas scored 59 and took 6-40.
England's cricket team lost to Pakistan by 87 runs in a one-day international (ODI) tri-series match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It was the first game of England's winter, which includes five separate tours to four countries on three continents.
How the match unfolded
Batting first, Pakistan reached 302-9 from 50 overs. At 190-5 in the 37th over, England wicketkeeper Jordan Cox dropped all-rounder Arafat Minhas on 12; England put down three catches in total. Arafat went on to make 59, while Hasan Nawaz added 79. For England, Sonny Baker took 3-65.
England began the chase quickly and were 91-0 when Ben Duckett was out for 45. Tom Banton fell for 57. Arafat, bowling left-arm spin, finished with 6-40, taking the wickets of captain Harry Brook and Sam Curran among others. Joe Root was bowled by Naseem Shah for 33. England were all out for 215 in 38.4 overs, losing their last seven wickets for 50 runs.
What comes next
Pakistan have won both of their tri-series matches and are close to the final. England play Sri Lanka at the same ground on Thursday; both sides are seeking a first win. The tournament is part of preparation for the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa next year, with up to 21 ODIs available to England beforehand. England were without Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell. Their winter continues with two trips to Australia and Test tours of South Africa and Bangladesh.
