Pakistan achieved a sensational one-wicket triumph over England in Lahore, with Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf crafting one of the most memorable late-order comebacks in men’s ODI history. Facing a daunting target of 242 at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25, 2026, Pakistan were precariously placed at 154 for 9 in the 34th over before the duo launched their unforgettable rescue act.
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## From the Brink: Shadab Takes Charge
Shadab Khan walked in at number eight and soon found himself nursing a dire situation. With the top and middle order crumbling, he responded emphatically—putting on a blazing 113 not out off 96 deliveries, marked by 13 fours and five sixes. This knock wasn’t just a personal milestone; it redefined the possibilities for tail-enders. With this innings, Shadab rewrote the record books, posting the highest individual score by a number eight batter in men’s ODI cricket, surpassing previous bests of 100* held by the likes of Simi Singh and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
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## Rauf’s Crucial Support
Haris Rauf joined Shadab when the score stood at 154/9 in 33.5 overs. Over 80 tense balls, they stitched together an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the 10th wicket—the highest ever in a successful men’s ODI run chase. Rauf contributed a composed 7 not out from 19 balls, keeping the strike rotation alive and allowing Shadab to unleash his strokes.
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## A Record That Lay Unbroken for Half a Century
The 89* stand demolished a 51-year-old record set during the 1975 World Cup, when West Indies duo Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts combined for 64 against Pakistan. Not only is it the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase overall, but also a defining moment in Pakistan’s own cricketing era.
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## Victory Sealed With Flair
As they reeled in England’s 241, Pakistan needed 88 runs with only one wicket remaining. Through gritty resistance from Rauf and aggressive intent from Shadab, they sealed the win in the 47.1st over, with 17 balls in hand. The climax arrived when Rauf drove Henry Crocombe for four—triggering jubilant scenes across the stadium.
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## Other Highlights
– **England’s innings:** Made respectable by opener Ben Duckett’s 111 off 111 balls and Sam Curran’s 42, though none of the rest surpassed fifty.
– **Bowling figures:** Shaheen Shah Afridi led the way with 4 for 46; Arafat Minhas and Razaullah chipped in with two wickets apiece.
– **Shaheen’s milestone:** He also became the fastest Pakistani pacer to reach 150 ODI wickets.
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## Standing on the Summit
This win makes Pakistan undefeated in the current tri-series, with three consecutive wins lifting them to the top of the table and securing a spot in the final scheduled for October 31. England, conversely, have yet to win a match in the series.
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This astonishing match will be talked about for years—a testament to resilience, composure, and belief when all seemed lost. Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf’s performance didn’t just break records—they delivered a story.
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