Shaheen Afridi says Pakistan need more consistent top-order batting after an 87-run ODI victory over England, while Arafat Minhas claims six wickets for 40 runs.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi has called on his top-order batters to deliver more consistent performances after his team secured an 87-run victory over England in the second match of the ODI tri-series on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of improving ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Despite the convincing win, Pakistan’s top-order batting remained a concern. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan suffered an immediate setback when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Gus Atkinson off the first delivery. Saim Ayub followed in the sixth over after scoring just eight runs.
Babar Azam also struggled to accelerate the scoring, making 32 off 54 balls before being bowled by Will Jacks in the 15th over. Pakistan were reduced to 59 for three, leaving the middle and lower order with the task of rebuilding the innings.
Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas responded with valuable half-centuries, while Faheem Ashraf provided a late scoring boost to help Pakistan reach 302 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.
Shaheen praised the contributions of Hasan, Minhas and Faheem but stressed that Pakistan could not depend on their lower order to rescue the team in every match.
“It was really good how Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, and Faheem Ashraf batted, but we also need our top order to fire,” the captain said.
He acknowledged the team’s progress but maintained that further improvements were necessary as Pakistan continued their preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Consistent performances from the top order will be important in helping the team build competitive totals against stronger opposition.
Pakistan’s bowlers subsequently took control of England’s chase, with Minhas producing a career-best ODI performance. The young all-rounder claimed six wickets for 40 runs, helping Pakistan secure a comfortable victory.
Shaheen described Minhas as a promising talent and highlighted his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
“Arafat is a very good talent, and he is a proper all-rounder,” he said, expressing hope that the youngster would continue producing match-winning performances for Pakistan.
Minhas’ performance provided Pakistan with a significant boost, demonstrating the value of emerging players in the team’s preparations for major international competitions.
Although the victory strengthened Pakistan’s confidence, Shaheen’s remarks highlighted an area requiring attention. Pakistan will need greater consistency from their established top-order batters while continuing to develop emerging players such as Minhas as they work toward their 2027 World Cup ambitions.
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