Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 off 96 balls leads Pakistan to a dramatic one-wicket victory over England after a remarkable last-wicket fightback in the ODI Tri-Series.
Shadab Khan produced a remarkable unbeaten century to guide Pakistan to a dramatic one-wicket victory over England in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, completing a challenging chase of 242 after the hosts had slumped to 193/9.
Shadab remained unbeaten on 113 off 96 deliveries, striking 13 fours and five sixes, as Pakistan reached 243/9 in 47.1 overs. His outstanding performance, supported by Haris Rauf in a determined last-wicket partnership, turned a match that appeared to be slipping away from Pakistan into a memorable victory.
Pakistan Struggle Despite Shadab’s Resistance
Pakistan faced sustained pressure during the chase as England’s bowlers continued to take wickets and prevent the middle order from establishing substantial partnerships.
Shadab recognised the need to maintain the scoring rate while protecting Pakistan’s remaining chances. He brought up his half-century off 52 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, as Pakistan reached 150 in the 32nd over.
However, England remained firmly in contention as Pakistan continued to lose wickets. The hosts eventually slumped to 193/9 by the end of the 40th over, leaving them needing another 49 runs with only one wicket remaining.
With Haris Rauf as his final partner, Shadab faced the daunting task of completing the chase against an England attack that had controlled much of the innings.
Shadab and Haris Rauf Turn the Match Around
Rather than surrendering to the pressure, Shadab took responsibility for the final-wicket stand, combining aggressive strokeplay with calculated running between the wickets.
The pair began reducing the deficit, reaching 200 in the 41st over. Their partnership eventually produced 50 runs from 45 balls, giving Pakistan renewed hope of completing an unlikely victory.
Shadab continued to attack as the target came within reach, bringing up his century off 92 deliveries with 12 fours and four sixes. His composure and ability to find boundaries proved decisive during the closing stages.
Rauf provided determined support at the other end, allowing Shadab to continue leading the chase. The allrounder eventually finished unbeaten on 113 from 96 balls, adding another four and a six to his century tally.
Pakistan completed the chase at 243/9 in 47.1 overs, securing a one-wicket victory with 17 balls remaining.
Duckett’s Century Not Enough for England
Earlier, England recovered from 56/4 to post 241, with Ben Duckett’s century providing the principal contribution to their recovery.
England’s bowlers subsequently put Pakistan under severe pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals and reducing the hosts to 193/9. At that stage, England appeared close to securing victory.
Shadab’s extraordinary innings and the final-wicket resistance with Rauf ultimately changed the outcome, underlining the importance of composure and lower-order contributions in closely contested ODI cricket.
Result: Pakistan defeated England by one wicket, reaching 243/9 in 47.1 overs while chasing 242.
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