LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan defeated England by one wicket after an incredibly thrilling contest at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century by Shadab Khan.
Chasing a target of 242 runs, Pakistan reached the finish line in the 48th over after losing nine wickets. Shadab remained unbeaten on 113 off 96 balls, hitting 13 fours and five sixes to secure a memorable win.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field. England were bowled out for 241 in 47 overs after struggling against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Shaheen Shah Afridi gave Pakistan an early breakthrough by dismissing Tom Banton for four on the fifth ball of the opening over.
He then removed Joe Root, who scored five, in the third over. Harry Brook was run out in the fifth over, while Haris Rauf claimed another wicket to leave England struggling at 52 for four.
However, Ben Duckett steadied the innings with a fighting 105-run knock. Sam Curran contributed 42 runs, while Gus Atkinson added 36 to help England reach 241.
Shaheen led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets, also completing 150 ODI wickets. Razaullah and Arafat Minhas took two wickets each, while Haris Rauf claimed one.
Pakistan also faced a difficult start in the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. With the team in deep trouble, Shadab Khan came in at number eight and produced a match-winning performance.
He received valuable support from Haris Rauf as the pair added an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the final wicket. Rauf remained not out on seven, while Shadab brought up his maiden ODI century.
The match also saw a crucial moment when Shadab was initially given out LBW on 97. However, he successfully reviewed the decision, with the review confirming that he was not out.
Shadab’s unbeaten 113-run innings helped Pakistan complete a remarkable one-wicket victory in the 48th over.
