In a dramatic turnaround, Pakistan secured a one-wicket victory over England in a one-day international match held in Lahore on Monday. Chasing a target of 242 runs, Pakistan were initially reduced to 154 for nine but were propelled to an unlikely win by an exceptional innings from Shadab Khan, who scored an unbeaten 113 runs. His performance marked the highest individual score by a number eight batsman in ODI history.
The match saw England in a strong position after restricting Pakistan to 241 runs in 46.4 overs, led by Ben Duckett’s resolute 105. Duckett was the standout performer with the bat, with only opener Sam Curran and tail-ender Gus Atkinson also reaching 20 runs in innings played under favorable batting conditions. England’s bowling attack appeared dominant for much of the match, with Jamie Overton delivering a notable spell of 10 overs for 3-43.
However, Pakistan’s recovery was orchestrated by Shadab Khan, who displayed remarkable composure and tactical shot selection during a 96-ball innings featuring five sixes and thirteen fours. Late in the innings, with 21 runs still required, Shadab was given out lbw to Atkinson. Yet he successfully overturned the decision on review after the Decision Review System (DRS) revealed a faint inside edge, allowing him to continue his innings. Shadab then patiently held the innings together before Haris Rauf, batting at number 11, contributed a crucial unbeaten seven runs. Together, they forged an unbroken 89-run partnership for the tenth wicket, setting a new record for the highest last-wicket stand to win an ODI match.
The winning runs came when Rauf struck debutant Henry Crocombe’s delivery for a boundary, sealing the victory for Pakistan with 17 balls remaining. The result was a significant blow to England’s prospects in the ongoing tri-series, leaving them on the brink of elimination. England’s departure will be confirmed if Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan in their upcoming match on Tuesday.
For Pakistan, the victory is a testament to resilience and determination, with Shadab Khan’s innings regarded as one of the finest by a Pakistani batsman in ODI cricket. England, meanwhile, face renewed scrutiny after suffering their second collapse in as many games, having conceded 430 runs to Sri Lanka just three days earlier despite initially appearing well placed for victory against Pakistan. Their inconsistent performances put their chances of advancing in the tournament in serious jeopardy, ahead of their final game against Sri Lanka on Thursday.