On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Pakistan were struggling at 154 for nine while chasing England’s target of 242 runs in Lahore. The match seemed almost over. But Shadab had other plans. He scored an unbeaten 113 off just 96 balls and, with Haris Rauf, guided Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory. It was his first international century and one of the most memorable innings of his career.
But this performance was about more than just winning a match. It also raised an important question: Can Shadab Khan rebuild his place in Pakistan’s ODI team after being left out of major tournaments?
Why Was Shadab Dropped?
Shadab was once one of Pakistan’s most trusted white-ball all-rounders. As a leg-spinner, he was expected to take important wickets, control the middle overs and contribute useful runs with the bat. He was also Pakistan’s vice captain at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
However, the tournament proved difficult for him. In five innings, Shadab scored 121 runs at an average of 24.20 and took only two wickets. His bowling, in particular, became a concern.
His ODI form had already been under pressure. Between January 2022 and early 2025, he took just 23 wickets in 22 ODIs, averaging 42.26. For a specialist spin-bowling all-rounder, these numbers raised questions about his effectiveness.
After the 2023 World Cup, Shadab did not play another ODI for Pakistan for an extended period. He missed the ODI tours of Australia and South Africa in 2024 and was left out of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.
The decision was not based on one match alone. His World Cup performance, declining bowling returns and competition from other players all contributed to the selection debate. Pakistan instead selected Abrar Ahmed as their main specialist spinner and included other all-rounders in the ICC Champions Trophy squad.
When Did He Return?
Shadab’s absence from the ODI side did not mean the end of his international career.
In March 2025, Pakistan recalled him to their T20I squad for the tour of New Zealand and appointed him vice captain under Salman Ali Agha. However, his return to T20 cricket did not automatically guarantee a place in the ODI team.
The bigger opportunity came in October 2026, when Pakistan named him in their squad for the ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka. After missing the opening matches, he returned to the playing XI against England on October 25.
Few could have expected what followed.
The Night Shadab Changed the Story
England had scored 241 runs, setting Pakistan a target of 242. Pakistan’s batting collapsed under pressure, and wickets continued to fall. When the score reached 154 for nine, the situation looked hopeless.
Shadab, however, refused to give up. He attacked the bowlers, finding boundaries and clearing the ropes when Pakistan needed them most.
Haris Rauf supported him at the other end, scoring seven not out from 19 balls while helping Shadab keep the chase alive. Together, they added an unbeaten 89 runs for the tenth wicket, a record partnership in a successful ODI chase.
There was even more drama when Shadab was given out lbw on 97. He initially began walking away, but a review revealed an inside edge, allowing him to continue. He went on to complete his century before Pakistan secured victory in 47.1 overs.
His 113 not out included 13 fours and five sixes. He was named Player of the Match.
Does He Have a Place in the Next World Cup?
Pakistan’s next men’s ODI World Cup is scheduled for October and November 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Shadab’s performance against England has given selectors another reason to consider him, but one innings cannot guarantee selection.
His batting has shown that he can handle pressure and win matches. However, his bowling remains an important part of the selection question. Pakistan will need to assess whether he can consistently take wickets and provide balance as an all-rounder.
Shadab will also face competition from other spinners and players who can contribute with both bat and ball. His performances in the coming months, particularly in ODIs, will matter far more than one remarkable night.
Shadab Khan has reminded everyone of what he can do. He went from being left out of a major tournament to producing a match-winning century when Pakistan needed him most.
The question is no longer simply whether Shadab can return. It is whether he can turn this performance into a consistent run of form and make himself an essential part of Pakistan’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.
