Pakistan secured an improbable one-wicket victory against England in a thrilling ODI match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a record-breaking performance by all-rounder Shadab Khan. The hosts appeared to be staring at a certain defeat after falling to 154-9 while chasing a target of 242. However, Shadab joined fast bowler Haris Rauf at the crease to initiate an extraordinary recovery that ultimately booked Pakistan a spot in the series final. Having been 74-3, the hosts ultimately slumped to 154-9. Who have endured months of dismal performances at global tournaments, as well as bilateral series, the victory went some way towards restoring faith among Pakistani cricket fans.
Shadab delivered a career-defining performance, finishing with an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls. His partnership with Rauf, who contributed a composed 7 not out off 19 deliveries, stands as the highest last-wicket stand in a successful run chase in the history of ODI cricket. The duo successfully navigated the pressure to overhaul the target, leaving the English bowling attack stunned as the home crowd erupted. Ending up with 113 not out off 96 balls alongside Rauf (7 not out off 19), the 28-year-old launched a surprise counterattack on England.
England’s innings had earlier been anchored by Ben Duckett, who scored 105 off 111 balls to notch his fifth ODI century. Despite Duckett’s lone stand, Pakistan’s bowling lineup, led by Shaheen Afridi, restricted the visitors. Afridi claimed 4-46, including the wicket of Henry Crocombe, as England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs. England’s last-wicket pair added 39 to post a below-par total of 241 all out from 46.4 overs. Once Arafat Minhas dismissed him, England looked hopeless as Shaheen Afridi’s impressive bowling cleaned up their batting lineup.
The Pakistan chase began disastrously under the pressure of England’s attack. Jamie Overton claimed 3-43 while Liam Dawson added 2-19, dismantling the top order by removing Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Saad Baig in quick succession. By the time the ninth wicket fell, many spectators had begun to exit the stadium, assuming the match was over.
Shadab, who saw an LBW decision overturned in his favor during his knock, turned the tide by shifting his approach. Commentator Nasser Hussain, speaking on Sky Sports, lauded the decision to change intent. He noted that Shadab and Rauf demonstrated exceptional game intelligence, proving that a shift in aggression could alter the outcome even when victory seemed out of reach. According to “The moment they changed intent, the moment Shadab, ‘right we’ve gone one way, it’s gone nowhere, we’re going to play our shots’, there’s a lesson to be learnt,” Hussain said, referring to the previous game when England were put under pressure.
The victory sparked widespread acclaim across the cricketing community. Retired English cricketer Chris Woakes described the century at number eight as a truly special feat. On social media, former Sri Lankan star Angelo Mathews hailed the performance as sensational, while Caribbean stars Shai Hope and Daren Sammy joined the chorus of praise, with Hope labeling the match as absolute cinema. While others reiterated the need for more trilateral series in ODI format, praise and memes kept pouring in on social media as one user joked about making a documentary of the game.
Reflecting on the emotional win, Shadab dedicated his success to his mother and wife on social media, while specifically acknowledging Rauf’s crucial support in their historic partnership. Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s ability to execute under pressure, noting that the squad had been seeking more variation and energy in their play. “I dedicate this win to the two most wonderful women in my life: my mother & my wife,” Shadab wrote on social media following the victory. “I think tonight we’ll be celebrating; tomorrow back to normal.”.
Afridi admitted that the top order continues to struggle, but he emphasized the importance of this win for team morale. Looking ahead, he suggested that the side would enjoy the celebratory moment before refocusing on the next challenges in the tri-nation series.
Former players also weighed in on the grit displayed by the pair. Mohammad Hafeez celebrated the innings as one to remember, while former captain Mohammad Yousuf commended the positive, fearless intent shown during the final stages of the chase. The win served as a major confidence booster for a side that has recently faced challenges in international formats. Fearless, aggressive and full of belief.
