Lahore Cricket: Shadab Khan's 113 Not Out Secures Pakistan Final Berth

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 113 to lead his team to a one-wicket victory over England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. The performance secured Pakistan's place in the final of the tri-nation One-Day International series. The hosts had been chasing a target of 242 and were reduced to 154 for the loss of nine wickets before the final stand.

England posted a total of 241 all out from 46.4 overs in their innings. Ben Duckett anchored the batting effort with a century, scoring 105 runs off 111 balls. It was his fifth century in the format. Pakistan bowler Shaheen Afridi took four wickets for 46 runs, dismissing the remainder of the English lineup. Henry Crocombe was removed by Afridi to complete the innings.

Pakistan's chase struggled initially. England bowlers Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson dismantled the top order. Overton took three wickets for 43 runs, while Dawson claimed two for 19. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Saad Baig were dismissed cheaply. The home team was 74 for three before slumping to 154 for nine. By the time the ninth wicket fell, many spectators had left the stadium, viewing the match as effectively decided.

Shadab Khan and fast bowler Haris Rauf then formed the final partnership. Rauf scored seven runs off 19 balls. Shadab hit 113 off 96 balls. Their combined effort for the last wicket established the highest partnership in ODI history for a successful run chase. The victory came after Shadab's leg-before-wicket dismissal was overturned on review, allowing him to continue his innings.

Shadab dedicated the win to his mother and wife on social media. He also credited Rauf for the partnership, stating, "we win only as a team and he showed that today in the partnership." Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez described the innings as one to remember. Teammate Imad Wasim praised Shadab for handling the pressure of the situation.

Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews commented on X that Shadab won it for Pakistan out of nowhere. Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope called the match absolute cinema. Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy termed it another thriller, noting Sri Lanka's recent victory over England in the series. Social media users expressed a desire for more trilateral series in the ODI format following the match.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi said the team brought Shadab in because of his variation. He acknowledged the team's struggle to score top-order runs but expressed hope for improvement in upcoming games. Afridi said the team would celebrate the night but return to normal routine the following day. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf praised the display of positive intent and belief.

English commentator Nasser Hussain noted the change in intent from Shadab Khan. He said on Sky Sports that the partnership required smart play. Hussain observed that Shadab decided to play his shots after earlier caution failed to yield results. Retired English cricketer Chris Woakes added that a hundred not out at number eight is a special achievement.