Shadab Khan's heroic maiden century powers Pakistan to thrilling 1-wicket win over England

In one of the most remarkable comebacks in ODI history, Shadab Khan delivered a career-defining performance, smashing his maiden ODI century and forging a world-record 89-run partnership for the last wicket with Haris Rauf to guide Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in the fourth match of the tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a seemingly achievable target of 242, Pakistan looked destined for defeat after a disastrous collapse of their top and middle order. The hosts slumped to a precarious 154/9 before the 38th over, still needing 88 runs with only last man Haris Rauf for company.

England appeared to be cruising towards a routine victory, with just one wicket standing between them and the finish line. But what unfolded next at Lahore was nothing short of cricketing folklore.

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Shadab Turned The Tide With Counterattack

With wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end, Shadab turned the tide with a remarkable counterattack. Switching from a defensive approach to calculated aggression, the all-rounder expertly protected Rauf while capitalising on every loose delivery.

England’s pace attack, which had dominated proceedings throughout the evening, suddenly came under immense pressure. Shadab kept the scoreboard moving with authority, launching cleanly struck shots over the boundary, rotating the strike in the closing moments of overs, and finding gaps in a widely spread field.

At the other end, Rauf displayed tremendous composure under pressure, defending crucial deliveries with determination and running hard between the wickets to keep Pakistan’s unlikely chase within reach.

A Record-Shattering Finish

The drama continued into the closing stages. Shadab brought up his maiden ODI century with a boundary and later launched a six off Gus Atkinson. With three runs needed, Haris Rauf drilled a straight four off Henry Crocombe to seal the victory as the Gaddafi Stadium erupted.

Shadab, who finished on 113 not out off 96 balls was named Player of the Match for his heroic effort. His 89-run stand with Haris Rauf is the highest tenth-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase, surpassing the previous record of 64 set by Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts against Pakistan in the 1975 World Cup.⁠

Duckett's Fighting Knock For England

Earlier in the day, England posted 241 before being bowled out in 46.4 overs, largely on the back of a gritty century from Ben Duckett.

Pakistan’s bowlers had executed their plans effectively in the first innings, restricting England’s stroke-makers and triggering regular breakthroughs to keep the visitors to what seemed like a below-par score.  

However, England’s bowlers hit back hard during the middle overs, reducing the hosts to 154/9 before Shadab stepped in to rewrite the record books.

Match Summary:

England: 241 all out (46.4 overs)  

Pakistan: 243/9 (47.1 overs) Shadab Khan 113*, Haris Rauf 7*  

Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket