A thrilling recovery from 154-9 saw Pakistan chase down 242 in Lahore with Shadab Khan’s unbeaten century and an 89-run last-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf, securing a dramatic win.
Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 113 as Pakistan recovered from 154-9 to beat England by one wicket in Lahore on Sunday in the ODI tri-series.
Pakistan was 154-9 chasing England’s target of 242 when Shadab and No. 11 Haris Rauf shared an unbroken 89-run partnership, the highest 10th-wicket stand in a successful ODI run chase. Pakistan 243-9 in 47.1 overs (Babar Azam 74; Mark Wood 3-65).
Shadab blasted 13 fours and five sixes in his 113 runs off 96 balls. The Pakistan Cricket Board said it was the highest ODI score by a batter batting at #8 or lower.
The finish was especially dramatic. Shadab was given out leg before wicket by Gus Atkinson for 97, with Pakistan still needing 21 runs. The players had started shaking hands when Shadab reviewed the decision. Replays showed an inside edge to overturn the dismissal and keep Pakistan’s hopes alive.
Rauf then hit the winning boundary off debutant Henry Crocombe to complete a remarkable recovery and send Pakistan into the tri-series final.
The 19th century puts England in contention.
England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs, despite a fine century from Ben Duckett.
The opener made 105 off 111 balls, the backbone of an innings that struggled to build sustained partnerships. Sam Curran scored 42, and Gus Atkinson made an unbeaten 36 from 28 balls as England recovered from a difficult position.
Pakistan’s leading bowler was Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took four wickets for 46 runs. Arafat Minhas and Razaullah grabbed two wickets each as wickets fell regularly for England.
England's total seemed competitive as their bowlers ripped through Pakistan to be 103 for six. They kept losing wickets until they had one wicket left and still needed 88 runs.
England fails to complete the job.
Jamie Overton was England’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 43 runs in his 10 overs. Atkinson claimed two wickets, and the England attack kept up the pressure on Pakistan for much of the chase.
But gradually Shadab took control, taking his opportunities to attack while protecting the last wicket. Rauf faced 19 balls for his seven not out, while his partner took the majority of the strike in the closing stages.
It was England’s third defeat in a row in the tri-series, following their thrashing by Sri Lanka in the previous match, where they conceded 430 runs.
The contrasting performances have thrown doubt on England’s ability to finish in pressure situations. Their bowlers could not defend a big total against Sri Lanka. vs Pakistan, the attack almost snatched a win but couldn’t get out the last batter.
England were also without several key players on the tour, including Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell. Adil Rashid was not in the playing XI while Josh Tongue was ruled out due to a toe injury.
The absences that may have impacted England’s options do not change the immediate result: a match they had controlled for long periods finished in defeat.
Shadab’s innings seals the deal for Pakistan.
It was all the more special for Shadab, as he did not play the first two matches for Pakistan in the series.
He arrived at 103 for six and initially focused on rebuilding the innings but accelerated as the target came into sight. Rauf’s control of the strike meant he was less exposed, and England couldn’t create another chance to finish the chase.
Rauf was a supporting act, defending carefully before scoring crucial runs in the death overs. His winning boundary sealed the partnership and Pakistan’s place in the final.
The result was another damaging blow for England in a tournament designed to provide valuable experience ahead of the next World Cup. Shadab’s century turned a near-certain defeat into one of the series’ defining performances for Pakistan.
