Shadab Khan's unbeaten century and a record-breaking 89-run last-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf powered Pakistan to a remarkable victory over England, leaving their opponents needing a miracle to reach the Tri-Series final.
Pakistan produced one of the most extraordinary finishes in ODI cricket, defeating England by one wicket after Shadab Khan inspired a stunning comeback at Gaddafi Stadium. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 113 as Pakistan chased down England's target of 242, recovering from 154 for 9 to secure a memorable victory.
Shadab shared an unbeaten 89-run partnership with Haris Rauf for the final wicket, setting a record for the highest last-wicket stand in a successful ODI run chase. Rauf contributed an unbeaten seven off 19 deliveries, but his crucial support allowed Shadab to complete a remarkable rescue act.
The result secured Pakistan's place in the Tri-Series final and left England at the bottom of the standings after three consecutive defeats.
Shadab Khan Produces a Stunning Match-Winning Performance
Pakistan appeared to be heading towards defeat after losing nine wickets for just 154 runs while chasing 242. England's bowlers had maintained relentless pressure, and the home crowd had begun leaving the stadium, believing the result was all but decided.
However, Shadab refused to surrender. The right-handed batter counterattacked with remarkable composure, finding boundaries regularly and keeping Pakistan's hopes alive despite the mounting pressure.
His partnership with Rauf gradually transformed the contest. Shadab continued to dominate the bowling while ensuring his partner faced a manageable number of deliveries, allowing Pakistan to close in on an improbable victory.
England came agonisingly close to dismissing the all-rounder when he was on 97. Shadab missed a full delivery from Gus Atkinson, which struck his front pad. The umpire raised his finger, but a review revealed an inside edge, overturning the decision and allowing the batter to continue.
Shadab eventually completed his unbeaten 113, delivering one of the finest individual performances of his career.
The dramatic finish came when Rauf struck a delivery from debutant Henry Crocombe back towards the bowler. Crocombe attempted to stop the ball but failed to hold on, allowing it to race away for the winning runs and triggering jubilant celebrations among the Pakistan players.
England's Bowlers Lose Control at the Crucial Moment
England had done almost everything required to win the match, but their inability to dismiss Shadab proved costly.
Jamie Overton was England's most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 43 runs. Gus Atkinson and Liam Dawson also applied pressure during Pakistan's middle-order collapse.
At one stage, Pakistan's chase appeared firmly under England's control. The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals, with Babar Azam, Salman Agha and Hasan Nawaz among those unable to build substantial innings.
Atkinson struck early, dismissing Fakhar Zaman before Crocombe, making his debut, removed Saim Ayub. Babar briefly lifted the atmosphere with a stylish boundary but was bowled by Atkinson soon afterwards.
England continued to exploit Pakistan's weaknesses through disciplined bowling and clever field placements. Overton dismissed Arafat Minhas, while Dawson removed Salman Agha after the batter attempted an aggressive shot down the ground.
With Pakistan reduced to nine wickets down, England seemed certain to finish the job. Instead, Shadab and Rauf produced a remarkable turnaround that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the tournament.
Ben Duckett's Century Rescues England After Early Collapse
Earlier, England had been bowled out for 241 after a difficult start against Pakistan's pace attack.
Ben Duckett was the standout performer, scoring a superb 105 to give England a competitive total after their top order collapsed. Sam Curran also played a crucial role, contributing 42 runs as the pair added 92 runs for the fifth wicket.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl, with Shaheen Shah Afridi immediately justifying the decision. Afridi dismissed Tom Banton in the opening over before removing Joe Root in the following over, leaving England under significant pressure.
England's situation worsened when captain Harry Brook was run out attempting a risky second run. Jordan Cox then fell to Afridi, leaving England struggling at 53 for four.
Duckett and Curran responded with a determined partnership, rebuilding the innings and helping England recover from their disastrous start.
Afridi eventually broke the stand by dismissing Curran, who fell while attempting to negotiate the short-ball barrage. Duckett continued to score freely, bringing up his century with an elegant drive down the ground.
However, Pakistan struck back soon afterwards. A top edge off Arafat Minhas ended Duckett's innings, while Overton and Liam Dawson were dismissed as England lost further momentum.
Atkinson contributed a valuable 40 runs towards the end of the innings, helping England reach 241 before the final wicket fell.
Shaheen Afridi Leads Pakistan's Bowling Attack
Afridi was instrumental in restricting England to a below-par total, finishing with four wickets for 46 runs.
His early strikes dismantled England's top order and put Pakistan in a commanding position. His ability to move the ball and maintain pressure proved particularly effective during the opening overs.
Pakistan's bowlers appeared to have laid the foundation for a comfortable chase, but their own batting collapse nearly wasted the advantage created by Afridi and the rest of the attack.
Shadab's extraordinary innings ultimately ensured that Pakistan's bowling effort was rewarded with a victory.
England's Hopes of Reaching the Final Hang by a Thread
The defeat represents another major setback for England, who have now suffered three consecutive losses in the Tri-Series.
Having failed to defend a total of 429 in their previous match, England endured another painful defeat despite restricting Pakistan to nine wickets down and appearing on course for victory.
Pakistan, meanwhile, can celebrate a remarkable win that secured their place in the final. Shadab's unbeaten century and the record last-wicket partnership with Rauf will stand out as the defining moments of their campaign.
For England, the situation is increasingly desperate. Their inconsistent batting, inability to close out matches and repeated late collapses have left them facing an uphill battle to qualify for the final.
After another defeat from a seemingly winning position, England will need a dramatic turnaround in their remaining campaign to keep their hopes alive.
Match summary
- Pakistan: 243/9
- England: 241 all out
- Result: Pakistan won by one wicket
- Top scorer: Shadab Khan – 113 not out
- England's top scorer: Ben Duckett – 105
- Best bowler for Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi – 4/46
- Best bowler for England: Jamie Overton – 3/43
Shadab's sensational performance turned an almost certain defeat into a historic victory, while England were left to contemplate another devastating loss in their increasingly difficult Tri-Series campaign.
