Minhas terms England performance 'memorable'

Young all-rounder describes his delivery to Harry Brook as a dream ball for a left-arm spinner

Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas described his performance against England as a memorable day after scoring 59 runs and taking six wickets for 40 runs in an outstanding display with bat and ball.

Minhas became the third Pakistani player to score a half-century and take at least five wickets in the same one-day international, underlining his growing value as an all-rounder.

"Winning the match is the most important thing. It is a memorable day for me," Minhas told PCB Digital.

He said Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium "has proved memorable" for him. Minhas made his ODI debut at the same ground in May, taking 5-32 against Australia.

The left-arm spinner said bowling in the right areas had been key to his success, while Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s instructions helped him execute his plans.

“The captain’s plan was for me to bowl in the right areas,” he said. “Bowling in the right areas worked to my advantage.”

On Brook's dismissal, he said: "The ball I bowled to Harry Brook is a dream delivery for a left-arm spinner."

Minhas said Pakistan needed a partnership when he came out to bat. "We put England under pressure while batting," he said.

Pakistan face England again on Oct 25 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.