Shadab Khan's Historic Century Seals Unbelievable Pakistan Triumph Over England in Tri-Series Thriller

Pakistan achieved a remarkable world record in a nail-biting one-wicket victory against England in the ODI tri-series held in Lahore on Sunday. Facing a daunting target of 242, the hosts appeared on the brink of defeat at 154-9. However, a spectacular unbeaten 113 from all-rounder Shadab Khan, supported by tail-ender Haris Rauf's resilient seven runs from 19 deliveries, orchestrated an astonishing comeback. This 89-run unbeaten partnership for the tenth wicket stands as the highest in a successful ODI chase in history. Furthermore, Shadab's individual score marked the highest ever by a batter at number eight or lower in ODI annals.

England opener Ben Duckett provided a lone highlight for his team with a brilliant 105, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered, a stark contrast to their recent 429-run performance against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. For Pakistan, Captain Shaheen Afridi shone with the ball, taking 4-46, and debutant quick Razaullah impressed with 2-38.

In their chase, Pakistan's batters also struggled against a disciplined English pace attack. Seamers Gus Atkinson (2-62), Jamie Overton (3-43), and spinner Liam Dawson (2-30) had seemingly sealed the match, reducing Pakistan to 154-9 in the 34th over. Yet, Shadab Khan continued his aggressive approach, finding crucial support from Haris Rauf. Shadab's innings, featuring 13 fours and five sixes off 96 balls, brought Pakistan agonizingly close.

A moment of drama ensued when Shadab was given out lbw off a low full-toss from Atkinson. As players began to leave the field, a late review revealed an inside edge, granting Shadab a reprieve. He went on to guide Pakistan to victory, with Rauf hitting a boundary off debutant Henry Crocombe to secure the win.

An ecstatic Pakistan captain Afridi praised the incredible partnership, stating, “I can't say anything, Shadab and Haris, the way they finished the game, 89-run partnership. I've never seen like that in my life. Really happy as captain, starting from the morning, the team effort was top drawer.”

England captain Harry Brook, whose team had previously lost while defending a massive total of 429, felt his side had performed well. “I don't think we went wrong with the ball, to be honest. I thought we did an exceptional job. Probably didn't quite get enough runs on the board, but the effort put up was phenomenal, couldn't have asked for more,” he commented. England's loss means they have now lost all three matches in the tri-series and are unlikely to advance to the final.