Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 and record stand stun England in Lahore
Shadab and Rauf turn the match around
England suffered another damaging one-day international defeat as Pakistan scraped to a one-wicket win in Lahore, recovering from 154-9 to chase down a target of 242 with 17 balls remaining.
Shadab Khan produced an unbeaten 113 from 96 deliveries, the highest score by a number eight in an ODI, and shared an unbroken 89-run stand with number 11 Haris Rauf. The partnership set a record for a last-wicket pair in a successful ODI chase.
The finish was as improbable as it was tense. Shadab was given out lbw to Gus Atkinson on 97, with Pakistan still needing 22. The players began to shake hands, but Shadab reviewed the decision as he walked away. Replays showed a faint inside edge, allowing him to return to the crease.
Rauf then struck the winning boundary, driving debutant Henry Crocombe down the ground. He had faced only 19 balls in the 80-ball stand, with Shadab expertly managing the strike. Rauf had defended his first 18 deliveries before hitting his final one for four and celebrating wildly.
England had Pakistan on the ropes
England had appeared to have the match under control after bowling Pakistan into deep trouble. Jamie Overton took 3-43 from his 10 overs, while England’s bowlers had collectively built pressure after their side was dismissed for 241 in 46.4 overs.
Ben Duckett top-scored with 105 from 111 balls, but few of his team-mates made substantial contributions. Pakistan’s Shaheen took 4-46, and the innings ended with England short of a larger total despite Duckett’s century.
The defeat came three days after England conceded 430 runs in a loss to Sri Lanka. Their latest collapse leaves them facing an early exit from the one-day international tri-series: their elimination would be confirmed if Sri Lanka beat Pakistan on Tuesday, before England’s scheduled final match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
A second collapse raises concerns
England had been given tournament pressure and match scenarios as preparation for the next World Cup, but two consecutive defeats after holding strong positions have instead exposed how quickly their control can disappear. In Lahore, Shadab’s composure and Rauf’s late contribution transformed a match England had seemed certain to win.
The closing overs also carried friction. Rauf had to be separated from Will Jacks after an exchange following a Sam Curran bouncer that was not called wide. Tom Banton later had a chance to run Rauf out with a throw from mid-on while Pakistan still needed 18, but the visitors could not force another opening.