Shadab's miraculous century helps Pakistan beat England by one wicket

Pakistan beat England by one wicket in a thrilling ODI at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, chasing down 242 thanks to an unbeaten 88-run last-wicket stand from 154/9 that sealed their place in the tri-series final. The hero was all-rounder Shadab Khan, who scored his first international century to complete an improbable chase. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl, a sensible decision given the dew factor under lights in Lahore. England's innings stumbled early. In the powerplay they lost four wickets for just 56 runs, with the top four contributing a combined 16 (scores of 4, 5, 1 and 6). Ben Duckett and Sam Curran rescued the innings with a 93-run fifth-wicket stand. Curran made 42 before falling, but Duckett held firm to score 105, his first ODI hundred against Pakistan and second at Lahore, built largely on sweep shots. England's last five wickets added 96, and they were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi took four wickets, including his 150th ODI scalp. Chasing 242, Pakistan also slumped early, reduced to 56/4 inside the powerplay. They stabilised somewhat but kept losing wickets, slipping to 103/6 and then 154/9, still needing 88 runs. A tenth-wicket chase of that size is historically rare. But Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf stood firm and carried their side to victory. Shadab was Pakistan's saviour, scoring his maiden international century in any format and finishing unbeaten. His innings was not without drama. On 97 he was given lbw to a full toss and began walking off, but a review revealed an inside edge, and the decision was overturned. At that stage Pakistan needed 20 more. The review proved decisive. Shadab's century was extraordinary, but analysts caution it is a low-repeatability outlier, not a reliable predictor. It does show Pakistan's lower order can fight in a crisis. Besides Shadab, Arafat Minhas and Razaullah also contributed importantly. England's defeat had multiple causes. Apart from Duckett's century, their top order failed. Pakistan's new-ball attack was sharp and bold, especially Shaheen's opening spell, which set the tone. England's middle order built partnerships but could not convert them into a big total. There was also some slackness in England's bowling and fielding, which opened the door late. In the final overs Pakistan's batters attacked, and England's bowlers lost control under pressure. Conditions in Lahore played a role. The previous match at the same venue produced 859 runs, while this one produced only 483, suggesting a slower pitch or different ball behaviour. Dew in the evening made batting easier in the second innings, helping Pakistan. But a win from 154/9 cannot be explained by conditions alone; it was a unique comeback. The win was significant for Pakistan as a team, with two ODI debutants, Razaullah and Henry Crocombe. Razaullah took two wickets on debut and produced a brilliant run-out of Brook, demonstrating Pakistan's bench strength. England were without the injured Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton pulled up injured mid-spell. Adil Rashid was left on the bench for a second consecutive match, leaving England short of spin. These factors suggest England's defeat was not simply a lack of talent but a failure of preparation and selection. Shaheen Afridi's performance was outstanding. He took four wickets and broke England's top order with the new ball, reaching 150 ODI wickets. For England, only Duckett's century stood out. He showed that sweep shots can be effective in Lahore conditions, a lesson for future batters there. Overall, the match was a shining example of cricket's uncertainty. England scored 241 and looked on course for victory, but Pakistan's last-wicket pair made the impossible possible. There was also an element of luck, especially Shadab's lbw reprieve. Whether this performance can be repeated only time will tell. For now, Pakistan will take confidence and a place in the final. For England, it is a learning experience, with questions over their top-order failure and bowling consistency.