Shadab Khan Scripts ODI Miracle With Unbeaten 113 as Pakistan Snatch One-Wicket Win Over England

Shadab Khan produced one of the most remarkable innings of his international career, guiding Pakistan to a sensational one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series in Lahore. Coming in under pressure as Pakistan's lower order collapsed, Shadab struck an unbeaten 113 from 96 deliveries to turn a seemingly lost chase into a memorable triumph at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan were chasing 242 for victory but found themselves in deep trouble at 154 for nine. With only number 11 Haris Rauf for company, Shadab took responsibility for the chase, managed the strike intelligently and attacked England's bowlers at crucial moments. Their unbroken 89-run partnership for the final wicket carried Pakistan to 243/9 in 47.1 overs, sealing victory with 17 balls to spare.

Shadab Turns Despair Into Celebration

Pakistan's chase began to unravel after early wickets left the team struggling at 31 for three. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub departed in quick succession, before Babar Azam was dismissed by Gus Atkinson. Saad Baig briefly counterattacked with 32 from 22 balls, but his dismissal left Pakistan needing another substantial contribution from the middle order.

Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz attempted to rebuild, but England's bowlers continued to apply pressure. Liam Dawson kept the scoring under control, while Jamie Overton removed key batters as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals. When the ninth wicket fell at 154, England appeared firmly on course for victory.

Shadab, however, refused to surrender. He initially played cautiously before finding his timing and beginning to clear the boundary. His innings featured 13 fours and five sixes, with the attacking shots arriving at precisely the moments Pakistan needed them most.

Rather than expose Rauf unnecessarily, Shadab carefully managed the strike and ensured that the tailender could contribute without being forced to face too many deliveries. The strategy worked brilliantly as the pair chipped away at the target and gradually shifted the pressure back onto England.

Record-Breaking Partnership With Haris Rauf

The partnership between Shadab and Rauf became the defining moment of the match. Rauf remained unbeaten on seven from 19 balls, while Shadab took charge of the scoring. Their 89-run stand was the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful men's ODI run chase, surpassing a record that had stood since the inaugural men's Cricket World Cup in 1975.

The stand was especially remarkable because Pakistan had lost nine wickets with 88 runs still required. Shadab repeatedly found boundaries, rotated the strike and kept the chase alive even as England appeared to have the match under control.

There was another major scare when Shadab was given out leg-before-wicket on 97 against Gus Atkinson, with Pakistan still needing 21 runs. England initially celebrated what looked like the decisive wicket, but the review revealed an inside edge. The decision was overturned, giving Shadab another opportunity to complete the chase.

He responded with boundaries to bring up his maiden international century and then continued attacking. Rauf eventually struck the winning boundary, completing a stunning turnaround and triggering celebrations among the Pakistan players and supporters.

Shadab Sets a New ODI Benchmark

Shadab's unbeaten 113 was not only the highest score of the match but also a record for the highest individual innings by a batter coming in at number eight or lower in men's ODI cricket. The performance underlined his value as an all-rounder capable of changing a match with both bat and ball.

His century was also his maiden hundred in international cricket. The innings combined composure with calculated aggression: he absorbed pressure when wickets were falling, then accelerated once the partnership with Rauf gave Pakistan a realistic chance of victory.

Shadab was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution. The result also continued Pakistan's winning run in the tri-series and strengthened their position in the competition.

Ben Duckett's Century Goes in Vain

Earlier, England had been bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs after being sent in to bat. Ben Duckett top-scored with 105 from 111 deliveries, anchoring the innings after England lost three early wickets for just 19 runs.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing Tom Banton before removing Joe Root. Harry Brook was run out after a sharp piece of fielding, leaving England in immediate trouble. Duckett then joined Sam Curran to rebuild the innings and restore some stability.

The pair added 93 runs for the fourth wicket. Curran scored 42 from 52 balls before falling to Afridi, while Duckett continued to accumulate runs and reached his century. His innings included a mix of controlled strokeplay and timely attacking shots, giving England a platform after their difficult start.

Duckett's dismissal proved costly, as England struggled to maintain momentum through the middle and lower order. Arafat Minhas and Razaullah claimed two wickets apiece, while Afridi finished with four for 46. Gus Atkinson added an unbeaten 36 from 28 balls, including three sixes, helping England move past 240.

England Let a Winning Position Slip Away

England's bowlers initially looked capable of defending the target. Atkinson took important wickets at the top of Pakistan's order, while Overton finished with three for 43. Dawson also made a significant contribution by restricting the scoring and taking two wickets.

Pakistan's collapse to 154/9 gave England a clear opportunity to close out the game. But the final pair's calm decision-making and Shadab's aggressive strokeplay changed the outcome completely. England were unable to find the last wicket, and their bowlers came under mounting pressure as the required runs dwindled.

The defeat marked England's third consecutive loss in the tri-series, leaving their hopes of reaching the final in serious danger. For Pakistan, the victory provided another major boost as they continued their winning run in front of their home crowd.

Pakistan Take Momentum Into the Tri-Series Final

Pakistan's one-wicket win will be remembered for Shadab's extraordinary innings and the partnership that rescued the side from the brink of defeat. The comeback also highlighted the importance of lower-order contributions in limited-overs cricket, where a match can change dramatically even after nine wickets have fallen.

England had a century-maker of their own in Duckett, but Pakistan's final-wicket resistance proved decisive. Shadab's unbeaten 113 and the record 89-run partnership with Rauf transformed a near-certain defeat into one of Pakistan's most dramatic ODI victories. The result secured Pakistan's place in the tri-series final and left England facing an uphill battle to stay in contention.