Shadab's masterclass sinks England as Pakistan book Tri-Series final berth
By Nawaz Gohar ; In one of the most thrilling finishes witnessed at the Gaddafi Stadium in recent memory, all-rounder Shadab Khan played the innings of his life—a majestic, unbeaten maiden ODI century—to pull Pakistan back from the precipice and script a heart-stopping one-wicket victory over England on Sunday.
With this sensational triumph, Pakistan not only stretched their winning streak to three matches but also emphatically guaranteed their berth in the ODI Tri-Series final.
Chasing a target of 242 on a surface demanding maximum discipline, Pakistan’s run chase descended into early chaos. England’s pacers ran rampant through the top order; Gus Atkinson struck twice to remove Fakhar Zaman (10) and clean-bowl Babar Azam (10), while debutant Henry Crocombe dismissed Saim Ayub (6). At 31 for 3 inside seven overs, the hosts were in dire straits.
A counter-attacking 32 off 22 balls from Saad Baig and a steadying 26 from Salman Ali Agha briefly checked the damage. However, England’s mid-innings resurgence, spearheaded by Jamie Overton (3-30) and a miserly spell from spinner Liam Dawson (2-30), triggered a catastrophic collapse. Pakistan lost five wickets for just 28 runs, sliding into near-certain defeat at 131 for 8, and later 150-ish with nine down when Will Jacks dismissed debutant Razaullah (8).
With only No. 11 Haris Rauf for company and 90-plus runs still needed, Shadab launched an extraordinary counter-offensive. Exhibiting immense composure, tactical awareness, and breathtaking power-hitting, the vice-captain marshaled the strike expertly.
Shadab brought up his sixth ODI half-century before escalating his assault, bringing Gaddafi Stadium to its feet as he notched his landmark maiden ODI hundred. His masterclass—a sparkling unbeaten 113 off 96 deliveries laced with 13 boundaries and five huge sixes—transformed a hopeless chase into an iconic victory.
Fittingly, Haris Rauf struck the winning blow in the 48th over to seal a dramatic climax with 17 balls remaining.
Earlier, opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan put on a clinical bowling display in the opening exchange. Left-arm speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi breathed fire upfront, dismantling England's top order by removing Tom Banton (4) and Joe Root (5) in quick succession.
England’s crisis deepened when captain Harry Brook (1) was brilliantly run out by debutant Razaullah’s sharp direct hit, leaving the visitors tottering at a miserable 11 for 3.
A 93-run fifth-wicket partnership between Ben Duckett and Sam Curran (42) provided England with a blueprint for survival. Duckett was the anchor of the English innings, crafting a resilient 105 off 111 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes)—his fifth ODI ton.
Late cameos from Gus Atkinson (36* off 28) pushed England to a respectable total of 241 before they were bowled out in 46.4 overs. Shaheen was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Green, finishing with superb figures of 4 for 46 in 8.4 overs, well-supported by spin duo Arafat Minhas (2-38) and debutant Razaullah (2-35).
Match Summary
England: 241 all out in 46.4 overs (Ben Duckett 105, Sam Curran 42; Shaheen Afridi 4-46, Razaullah 2-35, Arafat Minhas 2-38)
Pakistan: 243-9 in 47.1 overs (Shadab Khan 113, Saad Baig 32; Jamie Overton 3-30, Liam Dawson 2-30)*
Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket (qualify for the Tri-Series Final).
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan.
