Shadab Khan produced a remarkable century as Pakistan recovered from the brink of defeat to beat England by one wicket in a thrilling ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
Chasing 242, Pakistan looked certain to lose when they slipped to 154 for nine. However, Shadab and Haris Rauf shared an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the last wicket to guide the hosts to victory with 17 balls remaining.
Shadab remained unbeaten on 113, while Rauf scored three runs and played a vital supporting role.
Their partnership also set a new record for the highest tenth wicket stand in a successful ODI run chase. The previous record was 64 runs, set by West Indies’ Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts against Pakistan in the 1975 World Cup.
Pakistan made a poor start to their chase as Fakhar Zaman departed for 10 with just 18 runs on the board.
Saim Ayub scored six before Babar Azam fell for 10, leaving Pakistan struggling at 34 for three.
Saad Baig tried to rebuild the innings with 32, but England continued to take wickets at regular intervals.
Jamie Overton removed Baig, Arafat Minhas and Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Liam Dawson dismissed Hasan Nawaz and Salman Agha.
When Will Jacks bowled Razaullah for eight, Pakistan were reduced to 154 for nine and still needed 88 runs.
Shadab then took charge of the chase.
He attacked the England bowlers while carefully managing the strike to protect Rauf. The pair slowly reduced the target as the home crowd began to believe in an unlikely victory.
Shadab reached his half century with a six and continued to find boundaries despite England’s attempts to dismiss the last batter.
There was more drama when Gus Atkinson trapped Shadab in front of the stumps with Pakistan still needing 20 runs.
England began celebrating, believing they had secured victory. However, Shadab reviewed the decision, and the replay showed a faint edge. The decision was overturned, giving Pakistan another chance.
Shadab then reached his century in the 47th over before hitting another four and a six to bring Pakistan close to victory.
Rauf completed the chase with a boundary off Henry Crocombe as Pakistan finished on 243 for nine in 47.1 overs.
Earlier, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs after Pakistan captain won the toss and elected to field.
Ben Duckett led England’s batting effort with a century, scoring 105.
However, the visitors struggled to build partnerships as Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly.
England lost Tom Banton for four and Joe Root for five, while captain Harry Brook managed just one run before being run out.
Jordan Cox also departed for six, leaving England in trouble at 52 for four.
Duckett then helped England recover alongside Sam Curran, who contributed 42 runs.
However, Pakistan fought back with quick wickets to prevent England from posting a bigger total.
Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Banton, Root and Curran, while Arafat Minhas dismissed Duckett and Jamie Overton.
Razaullah also picked up two wickets as England failed to bat through their full 50 overs.
The victory kept Pakistan in a strong position in the tri-nation series, while England suffered their second consecutive defeat after losing to Sri Lanka.
England now need Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday before securing a convincing victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday to have a chance of reaching Saturday’s final.
