In one of the most remarkable finishes in modern limited-overs cricket, all-rounder Shadab Khan delivered an unbeaten century to rescue Pakistan from the brink of defeat and secure a stunning one-wicket win over England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Chasing a target of 242 on Sunday, Pakistan appeared completely out of contention after suffering a severe top- and middle-order collapse that left them stranded at 154-9. However, as documented by Al Jazeera Sports, Shadab orchestrated a record-breaking final-wicket partnership alongside tailender Haris Rauf to push the hosts over the line and confirm Pakistan's place in the tri-nation series final.
The Collapse and the Record Stand
Earlier in the match, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs. Opening batter Ben Duckett anchored the visitors with a resolute 105 off 111 balls—marking his fifth One-Day International (ODI) century—before being dismissed by Arafat Minhas. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack, claiming 4-46, including the dismissal of Henry Crocombe, despite England's final pair mounting a 39-run contribution.
In response, England seized early control during Pakistan's chase. Fast bowler Jamie Overton took 3-43 while spinner Liam Dawson snared 2-19, dismantling the top order by removing Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Saad Baig cheaply. The hosts slipped from 74-3 to 154-9, prompting portions of the home crowd to begin exiting the stadium.
Shadab, aged 28, then staged an aggressive counterattack. Surviving a key moment when an on-field leg-before-wicket decision was overturned on review, he struck 113 not out off 96 balls. Rauf provided crucial defensive support, holding his end with an unbeaten 7 off 19 deliveries. Their unbroken 88-run stand registered as the highest tenth-wicket partnership in a successful run chase in ODI history.
| Match Aspect | England | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| First Innings Total | 241 all out (46.4 overs) | N/A |
| Top Batter | Ben Duckett (105 off 111 balls) | Shadab Khan (113* off 96 balls) |
| Key Bowling Figure | Jamie Overton (3-43) | Shaheen Afridi (4-46) |
| Decisive Partnership | 10th wicket: 39 runs | 10th wicket: 88* runs (Shadab & Rauf) |
| Result | Match Conceded | 1-Wicket Victory (Tri-Series Finalists) |
Post-Match Reaction and Implications
Following the game, Shadab reflected on the collective effort required to execute the comeback. "I dedicate this win to the two most wonderful women in my life: my mother & my wife," Shadab wrote on social media. "Special mention for [Haris Rauf], we win only as a team and he showed that today in the partnership. Thank you to my entire team."
The dramatic result delivers a major morale boost for Pakistan cricket, following several months of scrutiny over team performance in bilateral fixtures and international tournaments. England, meanwhile, missed out on their first victory of the tri-series after failing to capture the solitary wicket required to close out the match.
With this result, Pakistan advance to the tri-nation series final, while England look to regroup for their remaining fixtures.
