Cricket fans at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed an extraordinary comeback as Pakistan secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in the fourth match of the tri-nation ODI series. Chasing a target of 242, the hosts were in a desperate position at 154-9, appearing destined for certain defeat before a heroic performance by Shadab Khan shifted the momentum entirely.
Sent into bat after losing the toss, England faced intense pressure from Shaheen Shah Afridi’s bowling, which dismantled their top order early. Excluding opener Ben Duckett, the English lineup struggled significantly, falling to 52 for 4. Duckett stabilized the innings with a masterful 111-ball 105, receiving vital support from Sam Curran, who added 42, and Gus Atkinson, who remained unbeaten on 36. England was eventually dismissed for 241 in 46.4 overs, with Shaheen Shah Afridi securing 4 for 46 and Arafat Minhas taking 2 for 26.
Pakistan’s pursuit of 242 runs began disastrously. The English pace duo of Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton decimated the top order, dismissing Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam to leave the team reeling at 31 for 3. The slide continued as middle-order batters failed to counter the relentless bowling, resulting in Pakistan losing nine wickets with only 154 runs on the board. With the match seemingly settled, Shadab Khan began an improbable fightback.
Partnering with the final batter, Rezaullah (18*), Shadab constructed a historic last-wicket partnership. He launched a blistering counter-attack against the English bowlers, hammering an unbeaten 113 off just 96 balls, featuring 13 fours and 5 sixes. This remarkable stand steered Pakistan to 243 for 9, completing the improbable chase with 17 balls to spare.
Match Statistical Summary
- England: 241/10 in 46.4 overs (Duckett 105, Curran 42; Shaheen 4/46, Minhas 2/26)
- Pakistan: 243/9 in 47.1 overs (Shadab 113*, Saim 32; Atkinson 2/62, Overton 3/43)
- Outcome: Pakistan won by 1 wicket
- Player of the Match: Shadab Khan
