Pakistan pulled off an astonishing comeback victory against England in Lahore, recovering from the brink of defeat to secure a one-wicket win in their One-Day International (ODI) tri-nation series match. Chasing a target of 242, the home side looked out of contention after collapsing to 154-9, prompting fans at Gaddafi Stadium to head for the exits. However, an extraordinary last-wicket stand turned the game completely around and earned Pakistan a spot in the series final. Who have endured months of dismal performances at global tournaments, as well as bilateral series, the victory went some way towards restoring faith among Pakistani cricket fans. While others reiterated the need for more trilateral series in ODI format, praise and memes kept pouring in on social media as one user joked about making a documentary of the game.
All-rounder Shadab Khan led the miraculous recovery with a counterattacking 113 not out off 96 balls, forming an unbroken 108-run partnership alongside fast bowler Haris Rauf, who scored 7 not out off 19 balls. Their effort set a new record for the highest last-wicket partnership in a successful ODI run chase. Shadab had earlier survived a close call when an on-field leg-before-wicket decision was overturned upon review, allowing him to launch his decisive assault. Ending up with 113 not out off 96 balls alongside Rauf (7 not out off 19), the 28-year-old launched a surprise counterattack on England.
Earlier in the match, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs after being put under heavy pressure by Pakistan’s bowling attack. Ben Duckett was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring 105 off 111 balls to register his fifth ODI century. Once Arafat Minhas ended Duckett’s stay, Shaheen Afridi dismantled the rest of the lineup, finishing with figures of 4-46 after taking his final wicket against Henry Crocombe. England’s tailenders managed to add 39 runs for the last wicket to reach a below-par total.
England’s defense began brilliantly as their pacers and spinners ripped through Pakistan’s top order. Jamie Overton claimed 3-43 while Liam Dawson took 2-19, cheaply removing key batsmen including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Saad Baig. Pakistan slumped from 74-3 to 154-9, placing England on the verge of their first victory of the tournament before Shadab and Rauf joined forces.
Following the thrilling victory, Shadab dedicated his performance to his family and praised his batting partner. “I dedicate this win to the two most wonderful women in my life: my mother & my wife,” Shadab posted on social media. He added, “Special mention for [Haris Rauf], we win only as a team and he showed that today in the partnership. Thank you to my entire team.”
The incredible turn of events drew widespread acclaim across the cricketing world. Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain praised the shift in mindset, noting, “Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf; that partnership, you had to be really switched on and smart how you played it.” Hussain added, “The moment they changed intent, the moment Shadab said ‘right we’ve gone one way, it’s gone nowhere, we’re going to play our shots’, there’s a lesson to be learnt. Brilliant change of intent from Shadab Khan; that game had gone from them. Took one individual backed up by Haris Rauf to bring it back.”
Former English international Chris Woakes, speaking alongside Hussain, expressed his admiration for the lower-order knock, stating, “A hundred not out at number eight is pretty special!” Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf also lauded the performance on social media, writing, “Superb display of positive intent! Fearless, aggressive and full of belief. Take a bow.”
Prominent figures across international cricket shared their reactions to the match, with Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope calling it “absolute cinema” and former West Indies captain Daren Sammy labeling it “another thriller.” Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez hailed it as “an innings to remember,” while Imad Wasim commended Shadab’s composure under immense pressure. Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews posted on X that Shadab “won it for Pakistan out of nowhere.”
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi expressed his delight at the result while acknowledging areas for improvement. “We thought we had a lot of variation in the team, so that’s why we brought Shadab in,” Afridi explained. Addressing top-order struggles, he noted, “We need top-order runs; we’re struggling. I hope in the next few games we’ll bring that energy. I think tonight we’ll be celebrating; tomorrow back to normal.”
