Shadab Khan produced a remarkable unbeaten century to guide Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in Lahore on Sunday. His outstanding performance helped the hosts secure a place in the final of the tri-series, which also features Sri Lanka.
Chasing a target of 242 runs, Pakistan appeared close to defeat after losing nine wickets for 154 runs. However, Shadab’s brilliant innings and a crucial last-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf turned the match around.
England suffered their third defeat in five days, leaving their hopes of reaching the October 31 final uncertain.
Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf Lead Pakistan to Victory
Shadab remained unbeaten on 113, scoring five sixes and 13 boundaries to keep Pakistan’s hopes alive during a tense chase.
With Pakistan needing a strong finish, number 11 batter Haris Rauf supported Shadab in an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the final wicket. Haris contributed seven not out before striking the winning boundary with 17 balls remaining.
Shadab also survived a crucial moment when Gus Atkinson trapped him leg before wicket with 20 runs still required. The batter reviewed the decision, and the third umpire overturned it, allowing him to continue his match-winning innings.
The victory sparked celebrations in the Pakistan dugout as the hosts secured their place in next Saturday’s final.
Pakistan Face Early Trouble in the Run Chase
Pakistan struggled at the start of their innings, losing Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam for 10 runs each, while Saim Ayub departed for six.
Saad Baig scored 32, while Salman Agha contributed 26 to provide a brief recovery. However, Pakistan continued to lose wickets, leaving them at 103-6 when Shadab came to the crease in the 24th over.
With the team under pressure, Shadab took responsibility and gradually shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favour before completing an extraordinary comeback.
Ben Duckett’s Century Helps England Reach 241
Earlier, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs after Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi chose to bowl first.
Opener Ben Duckett led England’s batting effort with 105 runs, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. His century provided stability after England lost three early wickets for just 19 runs.
Sam Curran supported Duckett with 42 runs as the pair shared a 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Gus Atkinson added an unbeaten 36 towards the end of the innings.
Despite their recovery, England could not build a bigger total, leaving Pakistan with a target of 242.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Shines with Four Wickets
Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack, finishing with figures of 4-46. Razaullah also impressed on his ODI debut, claiming two wickets for 38 runs.
Shaheen removed Tom Banton for four in the opening over, reaching the milestone of 150 ODI wickets. He then dismissed Joe Root for five in his next over.
England’s situation worsened when captain Harry Brook was run out for one. Brook had previously scored a record-breaking ODI double century during England’s defeat to Sri Lanka.
Duckett and Curran briefly stabilised the innings, but Shaheen returned to claim two more wickets and help bowl England out.
Spinner Arafat Minhas dismissed Duckett and finished with figures of 2-26, while Razaullah’s contribution helped Pakistan restrict England to a modest total.
England’s Final Hopes Depend on Upcoming Matches
The defeat leaves England facing an uncertain path to the October 31 final. They need Pakistan to defeat Sri Lanka on Tuesday before beating the island nation themselves on Thursday.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have already booked their place in the final after their dramatic victory.
Shadab’s maiden ODI century and his partnership with Haris Rauf proved decisive, turning a near-certain defeat into one of Pakistan’s most memorable wins in the tri-series.