Hasan and Arafat Half-Centuries Lift Pakistan to 302/9 Against England in ODI Tri-Series

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium witnessed a thrilling first-innings recovery today as Pakistan overcame a catastrophic top-order collapse to post a formidable total against England. In a true test of depth during the second match of the 2026–27 ODI Tri-Series, Pakistan scored 302 runs for the loss of nine wickets, snatching momentum right back from the tourists after a dismal start.

The match began in dramatic fashion after England won the toss and elected to field under overcast skies. Pakistan’s top order crumbled almost instantly against a fiery opening burst from Gus Atkinson. Atkinson struck with the very first ball of the match, dismissing the dangerous Fakhar Zaman for a golden duck. Saim Ayub followed shortly after, undone by a sharp bouncer from Sonny Baker. 

When Will Jacks deceived the prolific Babar Azam to leave the hosts reeling at a precarious 59/3 at the first drinks break, the stadium fell silent. The situation worsened significantly when Salman Ali Agha (16) was dismissed cheaply, leaving the middle order exposed and Pakistan teetering on the brink of disaster at 133/5.

With the innings in danger of completely falling away, the rescue mission fell upon the shoulders of the younger contingent. Pakistan successfully navigated out of this crisis through spectacular Hasan and Arafat half-centuries. 

Stepping up under immense pressure, Hasan Nawaz counter-attacked with brilliant composure, smashing an explosive 79 runs off 74 deliveries. He found an equally resilient partner in all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who played a beautifully paced knock of 59 off 58 balls. Together, the duo stitched an invaluable 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket, altering the complexion of the game.

Hasan’s aggressive strokeplay forced England to alter their field placements, while Arafat seamlessly rotated the strike to punish the spinners. Although Sonny Baker broke the partnership and finished as England's pick of the bowlers with 3/65, the damage had been done. Tail-ender Haris Rauf struck a boundary off the final ball of the 50th over to ensure Pakistan comfortably crossed the psychological 300-run milestone.

This sensational recovery from 133/5 to a final score of 302/9 has set up a massive second-innings challenge for England. The intense PAK vs ENG battle now hangs beautifully in the balance.