Shadab Khan’s Stunning Century Sends Pakistan Into Tri-Series Final After Thrilling England Win

LAHORE: Shadab Khan produced a remarkable batting performance to guide Pakistan to a dramatic one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series on Sunday, October 25, securing the hosts a place in the final.

Chasing a target of 242 runs at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan appeared to be heading for defeat after losing nine wickets for 154 runs. However, Shadab’s unbeaten 113 off 96 deliveries transformed the contest and helped Pakistan complete an extraordinary comeback.

His maiden ODI century included 13 boundaries and five sixes. At the other end, tailender Haris Rauf provided crucial support, and the pair shared an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the final wicket to take Pakistan across the finish line.

Pakistan reached 243-9 in 47.1 overs, winning with one wicket remaining and 17 balls to spare.

Shadab Khan Leads Pakistan’s Incredible Comeback

Pakistan’s chase began poorly as England’s bowlers put the home side under immediate pressure. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam scored 10 runs each, while Saim Ayub managed only six.

The early dismissals left Pakistan struggling to build momentum in pursuit of England’s total. Saad Baig contributed 32 runs, while Salman Agha added 26, but England continued to take wickets at important moments.

Shadab entered the crease when Pakistan were in a difficult position and gradually took control of the innings. As wickets continued to fall around him, he balanced aggressive stroke play with careful shot selection.

When Pakistan slipped to 154-9, the match appeared almost beyond their reach. Shadab, however, refused to surrender and found an unlikely partner in Haris Rauf.

Rauf scored an unbeaten seven runs from 19 balls, playing a vital supporting role while Shadab kept the chase alive. Their partnership became the defining moment of the match.

Dramatic DRS Review Keeps Shadab at the Crease

The contest reached another extraordinary moment when Shadab was given out leg before wicket against Gus Atkinson with Pakistan still needing runs to win.

Shadab was on 97 and initially appeared to accept the decision as England celebrated what looked like the final wicket. However, he requested a review, and the decision was overturned after the replay revealed an inside edge.

The reprieve allowed him to continue his innings and reach his maiden ODI hundred. He remained composed under pressure and brought Pakistan closer to victory.

Rauf then struck the winning boundary, completing a memorable finish that sparked celebrations among the Pakistan players and supporters.

Shaheen Afridi’s Four Wickets Restrict England

Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers had done an excellent job of limiting England to 241 all out in 46.4 overs.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the attack with four wickets for 46 runs. He removed Tom Banton for four in the opening over, reaching the milestone of 150 ODI wickets, before dismissing Joe Root for five.

England captain Harry Brook was run out for one, leaving the visitors in serious trouble at 11-3.

Ben Duckett provided the backbone of England’s innings, scoring 105 off 111 balls. His fifth ODI century included 10 fours and two sixes.

Duckett found valuable support from Sam Curran, who scored 42 runs. The pair combined for a 93-run fifth-wicket partnership, helping England recover from their disastrous start.

Gus Atkinson also contributed an unbeaten 36 from 28 deliveries, including three sixes, as England attempted to build a competitive total.

Pakistan’s Razaullah impressed on his ODI debut, claiming two wickets for 38 runs, while Arafat Minhas also picked up two wickets for 26 runs. Shaheen’s four-wicket performance ultimately helped Pakistan restrict England to 241.

Pakistan Secure Their Place in the Tri-Series Final

The victory confirmed Pakistan’s place in the final of the ODI tri-series, which also features Sri Lanka.

The result was particularly significant because Pakistan had to recover from a position in which only one wicket remained and a substantial number of runs were still required.

For England, the defeat was another setback after their previous loss to Sri Lanka. Their hopes of reaching the final remained dependent on the remaining group-stage results.

Pakistan’s next match against Sri Lanka, scheduled for October 27, will provide another opportunity for the team to build momentum before the final on October 31.

Shadab’s unbeaten century, Haris Rauf’s composure at the other end and Shaheen Afridi’s outstanding bowling combined to deliver one of Pakistan’s most dramatic ODI victories in recent memory.