LAHORE: Shadab Khan struck his first one-day international century to pull Pakistan out of deep trouble and seal a remarkable one-wicket victory over England in Lahore on Sunday, securing the hosts a place in the tri-series final.
Chasing a modest 242, Pakistan had slumped to 154-9 and England appeared certain of victory. Shadab, however, remained unbeaten on 113 to hand Harry Brook’s side their third defeat in five days in the series, which also features Sri Lanka. Number 11 Haris Rauf struck the winning boundary with 17 balls remaining, setting off wild celebrations in the Pakistan dugout. Haris, unbeaten on seven, shared a match-winning 89-run stand for the last wicket.
Shadab, who hit five sixes and 13 fours, survived a scare with 20 runs still needed when he was given out leg-before to Gus Atkinson. Walking off dejected, he opted for a review that overturned the decision. The 28-year-old went on to finish the job, and his innings is now the highest score by a number eight batter in ODI history.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was almost lost for words. “I can’t say much, Shadab and Haris, the way they finished the game, 89-runs partnership is amazing,” he said, adding that he had never seen anything like it.
Brook declined to fault his bowlers. “I don’t think we went wrong with the ball, to be honest,” he said, suggesting his side had simply fallen short with the bat.
Pakistan’s chase began poorly, with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam out for 10 each and Saim Ayub for six. Saad Baig (32) and Salman Agha (26) offered brief resistance before Shadab walked in during the 24th over at 103-6.
Earlier, opting to bowl, Shaheen dismissed Tom Banton in the first over for his 150th ODI wicket, becoming the 13th Pakistani to reach the milestone. He then removed Joe Root for five, and Brook was run out for one as England sank to 19-3. Ben Duckett’s 105, his fifth ODI hundred, and Sam Curran’s 42 in a 93-run fifth-wicket stand rebuilt the innings, while Atkinson added an unbeaten 36. England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs. Shaheen finished with 4-46, debutant Razaullah took 2-38 and Arafat Minhas claimed 2-26.
England’s hopes of reaching the October 31 final now depend on Pakistan beating Sri Lanka on Tuesday and on their own win over Sri Lanka on Thursday.
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