Match Summary: One-Day International, Lahore
- England: 241 all out (46.4 overs) – Ben Duckett 105, Shaheen Afridi 4-46
- Pakistan: 243-9 (47.1 overs) – Shadab Khan 113*, Jamie Overton 3-43
- Result: Pakistan won by one wicket
England endured a crushing defeat in Lahore, failing to defend a strong position as Pakistan secured an improbable one-wicket victory. Harry Brook’s team, struggling to find composure in tournament conditions, conceded victory despite reducing Pakistan to 154-9 during the chase of 242. Three days after conceding 430 to lose to Sri Lanka, Harry Brook’s side were beaten despite reducing Pakistan to 154-9 in pursuit of 242. They have gone through two extreme situations, both ending in crushing defeats, in a matter of days.
The match was defined by a historic 10th-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf. Shadab, who had been excluded from the first two matches of the series, anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 113—the highest score ever recorded by a number eight in an ODI. He shared an unbroken 89-run stand with Rauf, marking a record for a last-wicket pair to win an ODI. He was supported by Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s number 11 contributing seven to the unbroken 10th-wicket partnership of 89 – comfortably a new record for a last-wicket pair to win an ODI. More than two times his previous longest stay in an ODI, rauf batted for 70 minutes. For Duckett, this was a much-needed score at time when questions have been asked about his position. Supported by the fiery Rauf, shadab was unflappable in the face of such a monumental task.
England’s bowlers initially dominated, with Jamie Overton delivering an exceptional spell; he became the first England seamer since 2017 to bowl 10 consecutive overs, finishing with 3-43. Ben Duckett had earlier provided the backbone for England’s total with a resilient 105, though he received little support from the rest of the batting order. England 241 (46.4 overs): Duckett 105 (111), Shaheen 4-46. Ben Duckett made a fine 105 – only the opener, Sam Curran and Gus Atkinson passing 20 in blameless conditions. This loss means encouraging performances from Duckett and Overton will be forgotten.
Tensions flared during the final stages of the chase as the required runs dwindled.
Haris Rauf, who defended his first 18 balls before finally finding rhythm, was briefly involved in a confrontation with Will Jacks after a bouncer from Sam Curran was not called as a wide. Hammering Crocombe for four then running away and throwing his bat in the air to begin the joyous celebrations, rauf defended his first 18 balls then cut loose to his 19th. He put his head in his hands and was embraced by Rauf, when it came back in his favour. He arrived to bat when his team were in disarray at 103-6, then left as a hero, after bowling seven overs with his leg-spin.
The atmosphere grew even more frantic when Shadab was initially given out lbw to Gus Atkinson on 97. In barely believable scenes, Shadab was given out lbw to Gus Atkinson on 97, with 21 runs still required. Even Shadab was convinced he was out when he was hit on the shin by Atkinson’s low full toss – he called for the hopeful review as he was walking off the field.
However, a desperate review confirmed a tiny inside edge, allowing him to stay at the crease.
Shadab eventually guided his team to victory, watching from the non-striker’s end as Rauf hammered debutant Henry Crocombe for a boundary to seal the result with 17 balls remaining. The defeat is a significant blow to England, who have now lost all three matches in the tri-series and face a near-certain exit unless results in upcoming games fall in their favor. DRS found a tiny inside edge and, reprieved, he watched Rauf belt debutant Henry Crocombe down the ground for the winning boundary with 17 balls to spare. Who looked to be on course for victory despite being bowled out for only 241, a second implosion in as many matches is hugely concerning for England. Nevertheless, England were well on course thanks to a collectively relentless display from their bowlers. Shadab expertly farmed the strike – Rauf faced only 19 deliveries in a stand that lasted 80 balls. On Thursday, the batters broke records, only to be let down by the bowlers.
The loss highlights recurring issues for England, who seem unable to manage momentum when matches turn against them. After falling to Sri Lanka only days prior, the squad appeared to lose focus as Shadab systematically picked his moments to attack, hitting five sixes and 13 fours during his 96-ball stay. What linked both matches was England’s powerlessness to salvage the situation once the momentum turned against them.
For England, this series was intended to provide experience for the upcoming World Cup, yet the repeated failures in tight situations remain a primary concern.
Despite missing key figures like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Jacob Bethell, the team’s inability to close out games from commanding positions—like being 154-9 ahead—continues to overshadow individual highlights from players like Duckett and Overton. Yes, England are without key players Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell on this tour, while Adil Rashid has been omitted from the XI and Josh Tongue missed out with a toe injury.
Ultimately, the day belonged to Shadab, who transformed from a neglected selection choice into a match-winning hero. His ability to farm the strike and manage the pressure alongside a determined Rauf left England’s fielders frustrated, as their tactical meetings failed to disrupt the pair’s historic resistance. Plans failed and England were not good enough, heads dropped.
