LAHORE: Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf have recorded the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful one-day international (ODI) chase, while Shadab’s unbeaten 113 became the highest individual score by a batter at number eight or lower in ODI history.
Shadab scored his maiden ODI century to guide Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in the fourth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, securing a place in the final.
Chasing 242, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 103-6 before Shadab led a remarkable recovery. He remained unbeaten on 113 off 96 balls, hitting 13 fours and five sixes, to keep the hosts in contention despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
With Pakistan nine wickets down, Haris Rauf joined Shadab for a decisive last-wicket stand. The pair held their nerve to complete the chase in the 48th over to seal Pakistan’s victory.
Shadab was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, he said the victory made his century more satisfying and credited Rauf for his contribution to the partnership.
“You only enjoy an innings when the team wins. So, I’m very happy that I played that innings and we won the match,” Shadab said.
“I think Haris deserves more credit than me because, obviously, tailenders in that position are always keen to hit sixes. The way I guided him, or he guided me, we managed to put together a good partnership,” he added.
Shadab Khan Gives Credit to Haris Rauf for the Win https://t.co/cWS0KH3zX8
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) October 25, 2026
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the match as a historic and thrilling contest, praising Shadab Khan’s century, his partnership with Haris Rauf and the support Pakistan received from the Lahore crowd.
Speaking after the match at Gaddafi Stadium, Tarar said the game would go down in history as one of the most thrilling matches played in a tri-nation series in Lahore.
He also praised the Pakistan team for taking risks in the final-wicket partnership and thanked Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his team for their efforts.
Celebrations 🇵🇰🏏🇬🇧: Shadab Khan smashed his maiden ODI century and forged a match-winning 89-run partnership with Haris Rauf for the last wicket to propel Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series clash at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 242, the Green Shirts reached the target in 47.1 overs, with Shadab remaining unbeaten on 113 to secure Pakistan’s place in the final.
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) October 25, 2026
Former England captain Nasser Hussain also praised Pakistan’s fightback, describing it as an “incredible run chase”. He highlighted Shadab’s decision to change his approach and the role Rauf played in helping Pakistan recover from a difficult position.
“Again, as with Sri Lanka, you’ve got to give Pakistan credit,” Hussain said. “Brilliant change of intent from Shadab Khan. That game had gone away from Pakistan, but Shadab, backed by Haris Rauf, brought it back. Incredible run chase.”
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Shadab Khan said he had faced criticism over his recent performances but credited the team management for continuing to have faith in him, adding that his unbeaten century against England was a reward for his efforts to regain form.
Shadab Khan Post-Match Press Conference | Pakistan vs England, ODI Tri-Series
#PAKvENG | #CricketKaJashan | #PinkDay https://t.co/KedE3drAOi
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 25, 2026
Shadab said he had not performed well in recent matches and had felt the pressure of criticism. However, he said he remained focused on improving his game.
Reflecting on the tense final-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf, Shadab said the pair had tried to play according to the situation and enjoy the moment rather than overcomplicate matters.
He praised Haris Rauf for his contribution, saying the fast bowler deserved credit for supporting him and playing sensible shots under pressure.
Shadab said his frustration had increased when he missed opportunities to find boundaries and feared the match might slip away. However, the pair continued to fight until Pakistan crossed the finish line.
Asked about the crowd’s support at Gaddafi Stadium, Shadab said the team hoped to build on the victory and perform consistently in the remaining matches.
He also said the team would aim to improve further as it prepared for bigger challenges, including the World Cup, although he noted that the tournament was still some distance away.
On whether he would focus more on batting or bowling after his century, Shadab said he would contribute in whichever department the team needed.
He added that decisions about team combinations and the role of a number-eight batter rested with the captain and coach, depending on the conditions and the team’s requirements.
Shadab also praised fellow debutant Razaullah’s batting ability, saying the team had confidence in his potential despite his failure to make a substantial contribution in the match.
The all-rounder dedicated his maiden ODI century to his family and said his priority remained contributing to the team with both bat and ball.
Pakistan’s chase had begun poorly, with Gus Atkinson dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, while debutant Henry Crocombe removed Saim Ayub. The early blows left Pakistan at 31-3 inside seven overs.
Saad Baig and Salman Ali Agha attempted to stabilise the innings, with Saad scoring 32 off 22 balls. However, England continued to take wickets, leaving Pakistan at 103-6 after 23.1 overs.
Agha contributed 26 off 49 balls, while Hasan Nawaz made 15. Shadab then took responsibility for the chase, reaching his sixth ODI half-century before accelerating to his maiden century and steering Pakistan towards the target.
Earlier, England recovered from an early collapse to post 241 all out. Ben Duckett top-scored with 105 off 111 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, while Sam Curran made 42 as the pair added 93 runs for the fifth wicket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets for 46 runs. Debutant Razaullah and Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets each, while Haris Rauf took one.
