Pakistan pulled off a sensational one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series in Lahore on Sunday, October 25, as Shadab Khan produced a stunning unbeaten century to turn an almost certain defeat into a memorable triumph. Chasing 242, the hosts reached 243/9 in 47.1 overs after slipping to 154/9 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Shadab smashed an unbeaten 113 off 96 deliveries, while No.11 Haris Rauf held his nerve to help Pakistan script an extraordinary finish. Their unbroken 89-run partnership for the 10th wicket became the highest 10th-wicket stand in a successful ODI run-chase, underlining the remarkable nature of Pakistan's victory.

With three wins in three matches, Pakistan have booked their place in the tri-series final, leaving England facing the prospect of elimination after a third successive defeat.

BEN DUCKETT STANDS TALL

Earlier, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs despite a fighting century from Ben Duckett. The left-handed opener scored 105 off 111 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes to hold the innings together after England suffered a disastrous start.

England were reduced to 19/3 inside the first five overs as Shaheen Shah Afridi ripped through the top order. Tom Banton fell for four, Joe Root managed just five, and captain Harry Brook was run out for one, leaving the visitors in serious trouble.

Duckett responded with composure and attacking intent, rebuilding the innings alongside Sam Curran. The pair added 93 runs for the fifth wicket, with Curran contributing 42 off 52 balls. Their partnership briefly revived England's hopes before Shaheen returned to dismiss Curran.

Duckett went on to register his fifth ODI century, reaching the milestone off 104 balls. However, his dismissal for 105 in the 37th over proved a significant setback, and England struggled to build another substantial partnership.

Shaheen finished with impressive figures of 4/46, striking at crucial moments to prevent England from converting Duckett's effort into a commanding total. Pakistan's bowlers eventually wrapped up the innings, leaving their batters a target of 242.

PAKISTAN TOP ORDER CRUMBLES

Pakistan's chase began disastrously as England's bowlers tore through their top order. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 10 off 18 balls by Gus Atkinson, while debutant Henry Crocombe removed Saim Ayub for six off 12 deliveries. Babar Azam's struggles continued as Atkinson bowled him for 10 off 12 balls, leaving Pakistan reeling at 31/3 inside seven overs.

The early dismissals handed England control of the contest and put Pakistan under immense pressure. With three of their recognised batters back in the pavilion cheaply, the hosts needed a substantial recovery to stay in the hunt.

Saad Baig attempted to steady the innings with a brisk 32 off 22 balls, while Salman Ali Agha contributed 26. However, England continued to strike at regular intervals, and Pakistan slumped to 103/6 before eventually reaching 154/9. With 88 runs still required and only one wicket remaining, the match appeared all but over.

SHADAB TURNS THE TIDE

Shadab, however, refused to surrender. Batting at No. 7, he counter-attacked with remarkable confidence, finding boundaries regularly and keeping Pakistan's hopes alive. His innings featured 13 fours and five sixes as he took the fight to England's bowlers when the pressure was at its highest.

Haris Rauf played the perfect supporting role at the other end, defending resolutely and allowing Shadab to dictate the chase. The pair's record-breaking partnership transformed the contest, with England increasingly unable to find the breakthrough they desperately needed.

The drama peaked when Shadab was adjudged lbw on 97, with Pakistan still needing 21 runs. He reviewed the decision, and replays revealed an inside edge, overturning the verdict and keeping his extraordinary innings alive.

Shadab completed his maiden ODI century and continued to guide Pakistan towards the finish line. Rauf then struck the winning boundary off Henry Crocombe, sealing the victory in 47.1 overs and sparking jubilant celebrations.

Pakistan will next face Sri Lanka in their final league-stage match of the ODI tri-series on Tuesday, October 27, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Having secured three wins in as many matches, the hosts will look to maintain their unbeaten run ahead of the tri-series final on October 31.

- Ends