England suffered another dramatic collapse in a one-day international, losing by one wicket to Pakistan in Lahore after a record-breaking last-wicket stand. Harry Brook’s side fell to defeat despite reducing Pakistan to 154-9 while defending a target of 242.
Shadab Khan Leads Incredible Pakistan Recovery
Shadab Khan engineered the unlikely victory with an unbeaten 113, setting the highest score by a number eight in a one-day international. He received crucial support from number 11 batsman Haris Rauf, who contributed seven runs to an unbroken 10th-wicket partnership of 89—comfortably establishing a new record for a winning last-wicket pair in ODI history.
The match reached a chaotic conclusion when Shadab was initially given out lbw to Gus Atkinson on 97 with 21 runs still needed. The players were already shaking hands when Shadab requested a review while walking off the field, and the Decision Review System detected a tiny inside edge. Reprieved, Shadab watched Rauf hit debutant Henry Crocombe for the winning boundary with 17 balls remaining.
The result leaves England all but eliminated from the tri-series, with their exit certain if Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan on Tuesday. The collapse marks a second consecutive implosion for England, who were previously bowled out for 241 despite a fine 105 from opening batsman Ben Duckett. Only Duckett, Sam Curran, and Gus Atkinson passed 20 runs in the innings.
Tournament Experience Exposes England’s Weaknesses
Designed to provide tournament experience less than a year before the World Cup, the tri-series has exposed England’s inability to salvage situations once momentum shifts against them. The dramatic finish surpassed Sri Lanka’s historic chase three days earlier, leaving England searching for answers after losing all three of their matches.
Despite missing key players such as Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Josh Tongue, alongside an omitted Adil Rashid, England demonstrated an ongoing struggle under pressure. While Duckett delivered a timely century and Jamie Overton bowled a superb spell of 10 consecutive overs for 3-43, England faltered when needing a final breakthrough.
Shadab, recalled after missing the first two matches of the series, delivered a masterclass after arriving at the crease with his team struggling at 103-6. Facing 96 balls, he hit 13 fours and five sixes while expertly farming the strike, limiting Rauf to just 19 deliveries during their 80-ball stand.
Tensions flared during the tense closing stages, with Rauf involved in a confrontation with England’s Will Jacks after a bouncer was not called wide, requiring Joe Root to intervene. Rauf ultimately sealed the win, leaving England to reflect on another missed opportunity and a historic performance by Shadab.
