Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 113 as he and Haris Rauf combined for a record 89-run 10th-wicket partnership to help Pakistan defeat England by one wicket at Gaddafi Stadium.
LAHORE: Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf set a new world record for the highest unbeaten 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI run chase, guiding Pakistan to a dramatic one-wicket victory over England at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing England’s target of 243, Pakistan were struggling at 154-9 and appeared on the verge of defeat. However, Shadab and Rauf staged a remarkable comeback, adding an unbeaten 89 runs for the 10th wicket to complete the chase and secure Pakistan’s place in the tri-nation ODI series final.
Pakistan reached 243-9 in 47.1 overs, completing one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes.
The partnership surpassed the previous record of an unbeaten 64-run stand by West Indies’ Derrick Murray and Andy Roberts against Pakistan in 1975. Shadab and Rauf’s performance established a new benchmark for a successful 10th-wicket partnership in an ODI run chase.
Shadab Khan Scores Maiden ODI Century
Shadab delivered a career-defining innings, scoring an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls, including 13 fours and five sixes. The century was his first in ODI cricket and proved instrumental in Pakistan’s remarkable victory.
The all-rounder also set a record for the highest individual score by a batter at No. 8 in ODI history, surpassing previous unbeaten centuries by Ireland’s Simi Singh and Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Shadab displayed composure and determination under pressure, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive after the team lost nine wickets for just 154 runs. His innings combined calculated stroke play with attacking shots at crucial moments, allowing Pakistan to overcome the difficult position.
Rauf provided vital support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on seven off 19 deliveries. Although his contribution with the bat was modest, his presence helped Shadab maintain the partnership and take Pakistan across the finish line.
With only one wicket remaining, the pair held their nerve to complete the chase, turning an almost certain defeat into a historic win.
Pakistan Secure Place in Tri-Nation Final
The victory was significant for Pakistan beyond the record-breaking partnership, as it confirmed their place in the tri-nation ODI series final.
Shadab’s maiden ODI century and Rauf’s support under pressure highlighted the importance of lower-order contributions in limited-overs cricket. Their stand also demonstrated how a match can change dramatically even when a team is reduced to its final wicket.
The result gave Pakistan a memorable victory in front of their home crowd at Gaddafi Stadium. The record partnership, Shadab’s unbeaten century and the successful chase combined to produce a landmark performance in Pakistan’s ODI history.
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