Shadab Khan saves Pakistan in Lahore

Pakistan faced near-certain defeat in Lahore on Sunday, but Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf reversed the result to book a place in the tri-nation series final. The hosts trailed by 87 runs with only two wickets in hand, yet they chased down 242 to beat England by one wicket.

England set a target of 241 all out in 46.4 overs. Ben Duckett scored 105 off 111 balls, marking his fifth ODI century. After Arafat Minhas dismissed Duckett, Shaheen Afridi took four wickets for 46 runs. Pakistan’s top order collapsed in reply, with Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson removing Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Saad Baig for low scores.

The hosts were reduced to 154-9. Many spectators had left Gaddafi Stadium after the ninth wicket fell. Shadab Khan, batting at number eight, remained unbeaten on 113 off 96 balls. Haris Rauf added 7 not out from 19 balls. Their last-wicket partnership stands as the highest in ODI history for a successful run chase.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi noted that the team had planned to include Shadab for variety. "We thought we had a lot of variation in the team, so that's why we brought Shadab in," Afridi said. He added that the team needs top-order runs and hopes to bring more energy in upcoming games.

Shadab Khan dedicated the win to his mother and wife on social media. He also praised Haris Rauf for the partnership. "Special mention for [Haris Rauf], we win only as a team and he showed that today in the partnership," Khan wrote. Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez called it an innings to remember.

Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews described the performance as winning the match for Pakistan out of nowhere. Barbadian wicketkeeper Shai Hope labeled the game absolute cinema. English commentator Nasser Hussain praised the change in intent from Shadab Khan on Sky Sports. Hussain noted that the partnership required sharp play and smart decision-making under pressure.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf described the display as fearless and aggressive. Retired English player Chris Woakes remarked that a hundred not out at number eight is pretty special. The victory follows Sri Lanka’s high-scoring win against England earlier in the series.