Shadab Khan's Heroics: Unbeaten 113 Sparks Miraculous Win for Pakistan
Shadab Khan hits a stunning unbeaten 113 to lead Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory against England in the ODI Tri-Series.
In one of the most dramatic finishes in ODI history, Shadab Khan played a legendary knock to pull Pakistan back from the brink of defeat. His unbeaten 113 guided Pakistan to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, ensuring their spot in the Tri-Series final.
A Match of Two Halves
England had set a competitive target of 242 after being bowled out for 241 in 49.3 overs. The foundation of the English innings was a masterful 105 from Ben Duckett, who anchored the batting effort. However, the innings started precariously due to a fierce spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Afridi was lethal in the early stages, striking in the very first over to remove Tom Banton and following it up by dismissing Joe Root in the next. With Harry Brook falling to a run-out and Jordan Cox also becoming a victim of Afridi, England found themselves reeling at 53 for four.
Recovery came via a 92-run partnership between Duckett and Sam Curran, with Curran contributing 42 before Afridi returned to break the stand. A late surge from Jamie Overton (43) and Gus Atkinson (40) helped push England past the 200-mark, though Arafat Minhas eventually claimed the prized wicket of Duckett.
Pakistan's Near Collapse
The chase began poorly for the hosts. Pakistan looked completely out of the contest when they slumped to 154 for nine, staring at a massive defeat. With only the last pair remaining, the match seemed decided—until Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf decided to rewrite the script.
What followed was a record-breaking 89-run partnership for the 10th wicket, the highest ever for the final pair in a successful ODI run chase. While Haris Rauf played the role of the gritty survivor, scoring seven not out off 19 balls, Shadab Khan unleashed a masterclass in composure and power.
Drama at the Death
The tension peaked when Shadab was given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) by Gus Atkinson on 97. The stadium fell silent, but a review saved the all-rounder, revealing a thin inside edge that kept him in the game.
With nine runs still required, Shadab shifted gears, smashing Atkinson for a massive six over mid-off to bring the target within touching distance. The climax arrived when Rauf struck a full delivery from debutant Henry Crocombe. In a moment of chaos, Crocombe failed to hold onto the return catch, and the ball raced away for the winning runs.
Key Match Statistics:
- England: 241 all out (Ben Duckett 105, Shaheen Afridi 4/46)
- Pakistan: 243/9 (Shadab Khan 113*, Haris Rauf 7*)
- Defining Moment: 89-run 10th wicket partnership
The victory is a massive blow for England, who have now suffered three consecutive losses in the Tri-Series, leaving their hopes of reaching the final in tatters. For Pakistan, this miraculous comeback secures their place in the title clash in spectacular fashion.