Cricket Upset: Shadab Khan’s Century Rescues Pakistan

Pakistani cricket fans in Lahore watched their team slip from a likely victory to a desperate last-wicket stand on Sunday, only to see Shadab Khan deliver a historic comeback. The hosts entered the final partnership of their chase needing 89 runs to beat England’s total, a deficit that had many in the stadium preparing to leave after the ninth wicket fell.

Shadab Khan batted at number eight and scored 113 not out off 96 balls to secure a one-wicket win for Pakistan. His performance included a crucial leg-before-wicket appeal that was overturned on review, keeping him at the crease during a high-pressure moment. The victory booked Pakistan’s place in the series final, ending a period of disappointing results for the national team.

The partnership between Shadab and fast bowler Haris Rauf became the highest last-wicket stand in the history of successful One-Day International run chases. Rauf added 7 not out off 19 balls while Shadab took the initiative. English commentator Nasser Hussain noted on Sky Sports that the pair changed their intent at the right time, shifting from defensive play to aggressive shot selection to close out the game.

England had set a target of 242 runs, a total that appeared solid after Ben Duckett scored 105 off 111 balls for his fifth ODI century. However, Pakistani bowler Arafat Minhas took four wickets for 46 runs, dismantling the English lineup. Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson had earlier removed four Pakistani batters cheaply, including Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, which left the hosts struggling at 154-9.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi said the team had brought Shadab into the lineup to add variation. He stated that the side needed top-order runs but praised the finish provided by Shadab and Rauf. Afridi added that the team would celebrate that evening but return to normal routines the next day to focus on the upcoming final.

Reactions from the cricket world emphasized the rarity of the comeback. Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews described the innings as sensational, while Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope called the match absolute cinema. Former West Indies player Daren Sammy labeled it another thriller, following Sri Lanka’s own large run chase against England earlier in the series.

Shadab dedicated the win to his mother and wife on social media, giving special mention to Haris Rauf for the team effort. The performance restored confidence among local fans who had watched the team falter in recent global tournaments. The match concluded with Pakistan holding their advantage despite losing nine wickets before the final partnership.