International Cricket Stars Hail Shadab Khan’s Thrilling Match-Winning Knock at Lahore

Shadab’s maiden ODI century and Haris Rauf’s crucial support in an 89-run last-wicket stand earn widespread praise after Pakistan’s dramatic one-wicket victory in Lahore.

October 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM
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LAHORE: International cricket stars have hailed Shadab Khan’s sensational maiden ODI century after the Pakistan all-rounder inspired a remarkable comeback to secure a dramatic one-wicket victory over England in the fourth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, former West Indies captain Daren Sammy, former Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews, West Indies batter Shai Hope and renowned commentator Ian Bishop were among the cricket figures who praised Pakistan’s thrilling victory, with Shadab’s counterattacking 113 and Haris Rauf’s contribution in a decisive last-wicket partnership drawing particular attention.

Shadab and Haris earn international acclaim

Sammy, the former West Indies captain and current head coach, expressed his excitement over another closely contested encounter, describing the match as a thriller in a social media post.

“Wow.. another thriller,” Sammy wrote.

Mathews singled out Shadab for his match-winning performance, praising the all-rounder for rescuing Pakistan when defeat appeared imminent.

“That was a sensational innings by @76Shadabkhan 👏👏 won it for Pakistan out of nowhere,” Mathews wrote.

Hope also celebrated the dramatic finish, capturing the excitement of the contest in a brief reaction.

“Cricket 🤝 Absolute Cinema,” the West Indies batter wrote.

Bishop praised Pakistan’s one-wicket victory while highlighting the importance of both Shadab’s century and Haris’s contribution at the other end during the tense final-wicket partnership.

“Outstanding win by Pakistan by 1 wicket tonight. YES of course, Shadab KHAN!!!!!! Brilliant innings. As important a 7(19) by Haris Rauf in an 89 run partnership for the last wicket,” Bishop wrote.

Former England captain Hussain also credited the Pakistan pair, emphasising Shadab’s decision to change his approach when the chase appeared to be slipping away.

“You’ve got to give Pakistan credit, and Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf. That partnership, you had to be really switched on and smart how you played it,” Hussain said.

He praised Shadab for abandoning an approach that had failed to deliver and taking the attack to England when Pakistan needed a dramatic shift in momentum.

“Brilliant change of intent from Shadab Khan. That game had gone from them to one individual, backed up by Haris Rauf, to bring it back. Incredible run change,” Hussain added.

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Shadab’s century turns the match around

Chasing England’s target of 242, Pakistan suffered an alarming collapse as the visitors’ bowlers dismissed key batters, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, leaving the hosts under severe pressure.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, England appeared to be heading towards victory. However, Shadab produced a remarkable counterattacking innings, combining powerful strokeplay with composure to keep Pakistan in the contest.

The all-rounder smashed 113 off 96 balls, hitting 13 fours and five sixes, to register his maiden ODI century and revive Pakistan’s hopes.

With the hosts still needing a strong finish, Haris provided vital support as the pair put together an extraordinary 89-run partnership for the final wicket. Haris scored seven off 19 deliveries, allowing Shadab to continue the pursuit of the target.

The partnership transformed an almost certain defeat into one of Pakistan’s most memorable ODI victories, sealing the win by one wicket and sending the home crowd into celebration.

Read Also: Shadab, Haris Set World Record for Highest 10th-Wicket Partnership in Successful ODI Chase

The result also confirmed Pakistan’s place in the ODI tri-series final, giving the hosts considerable momentum ahead of the title clash.

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