England lose opening tri-series one day international to Pakistan in Rawalpindi

Pakistan defeated England in the opening match of the one-day international tri-series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. BBC News and The Guardian both report that Pakistan secured victory over England in the opening fixture of the series. The Guardian reported that England suffered an 87-run defeat in the match. [1][2]

BBC News reported that Pakistan scored 302 runs for nine wickets in their 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Hasan Nawaz top-scored for Pakistan with 79 runs off 74 balls, while Arafat Minhas scored 59 runs off 58 balls. Sonny Baker took three wickets for 65 runs for England. BBC News added that England dropped three catches, including diving wicketkeeper Jordan Cox dropping Minhas when he was on 12 runs. [1]

In response, Pakistan all-rounder Minhas took six wickets for 40 runs with his left-arm spin to bowl England out, according to BBC News. The Guardian reported that Atkinson took one wicket for 22 runs in his opening five-over spell for England. The Times noted that Minhas is 21 years old. [1][2][7]

The match marked the start of England's winter schedule across four different countries, according to BBC News. Sky Sports reported that the one-day international tri-series also features Sri Lanka, while The News Pakistan reported that England coach Brendon McCullum previously stated that England need their best cricket against both opposition teams. [1][4][5]