LAHORE: Shadab Khan produced a remarkable unbeaten century as Pakistan recovered from 154-9 to pull off an extraordinary one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series on Sunday, securing their place in the final.
Chasing 242 at a packed Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan appeared headed for defeat before Shadab and Haris Rauf combined for an unbeaten 89-run last-wicket partnership, a record for the 10th wicket in a successful ODI chase.
Shadab dominated the partnership with a breathtaking display of power hitting, while Rauf provided crucial support with an unbeaten seven off 19 balls.
England had taken control through Gus Atkinson and debutant Henry Crocombe, reducing Pakistan to the brink of defeat at 154-9.
However, Shadab launched a stunning counterattack, repeatedly finding the boundary while carefully managing the strike to protect Rauf.
The all-rounder survived a dramatic moment on 97 when he was initially given out lbw against Atkinson, only for a review to reveal a faint inside edge.
With nine runs still required, Shadab struck Atkinson for six over mid-off to bring Pakistan within touching distance of victory.
Rauf then sealed the remarkable win by driving Crocombe down the ground for the winning boundary, sparking wild celebrations among Pakistan’s players and supporters.
Earlier, England had appeared firmly in control after dismissing Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam during Pakistan’s chase.
Atkinson removed Babar with a delivery that seamed back sharply and knocked over his off stump.
The defeat marked another painful setback for England, who had failed to defend 429 against Sri Lanka in their previous tri-series match on Thursday.
For Pakistan, the victory completed one of the most dramatic recoveries in ODI cricket and secured their place in the tournament final.
