Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the first match of a three-match one-day international (ODI) series in Rawalpindi. Pakistan scored 302-9 in 50 overs, while England replied with 215 runs in 38.4 overs.
This is England's first defeat in a first ODI in Pakistan since 2005 and their first loss in a first ODI series since 2015.
Pakistan were in trouble at 133-5 in the 28th over, and then at 190-5 in the 37th over when wicketkeeper Jordan Cox dropped Arafat Minhas at 12. However, Arafat, along with Hasan Nawaz's powerful 79, lifted Pakistan to a competitive total. Nawaz scored 79 off 74 balls, while Arafat made 59 off 58 balls. Nawaz's slog-sweep for six off the first ball he faced from Adil Rashida marked the start of Pakistan's comeback. Along with Arafat and Faheem Ashraf, Nawaz carried Pakistan on a flat pitch. Sonny Baker was the pick with the new ball, taking 3-65.
England were chasing the second-highest successful ODI chase at Rawalpindi Stadium. At 91-0, Ben Duckett top-edged a pull and was out for 45. Tom Banton was caught for 57 when he hit Arafat's long hop to mid-wicket. Arafat then bowled England captain Harry Brook for five, and Naseem Shah bowled Joe Root for 33. Cox was lbw for 18, Jamie Overton was holed out, and both were off Arafat. England collapsed to 215 all out, losing the last seven wickets for just 50 runs. Gus Atkinson was calamitously run out, and Arafat also run out Atkinson. Arafat finished with the best figures by a Pakistani spinner in an ODI against England, 6-40 with left-arm spin.
England were without three first-teamers: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell. Bethell is injured and will return for the tour of Australia next month. Cox will have a chance in the ODI squad as Buttler is out until at least the new year, but Cox dropped two catches behind the stumps, and England dropped three catches in total. Banton squandered a platform for a big score at the top of the order, while Sam Curran played his first match since The Hundred and scored 27. Will Jacks was caught at mid-wicket, Rashid was palpably leg before, and a mix-up between Baker and Atkinson resulted in the latter face-down in the grass.
Harry Brook said after the match: 'We were quite happy with 300. We thought they were a bit under par. It got dewy as we thought it would. We were quite happy at the break.' Pakistan now have two wins from two matches in the three-match series and are on the brink of the final. England play Sri Lanka next on the same ground on Thursday, with both sides seeking their first win. This is the start of England's winter, followed by two tours to Australia and Test tours to South Africa and Bangladesh. It is also the start of a long run-up to the 50-over World Cup in South Africa next year, the first of a potential 21 ODIs in preparation for the World Cup. England won their previous three series this year.
