Match Result: Lahore Tri-Series
- England: 241 (46.4 overs); Ben Duckett 105 (111), Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-46
- Pakistan: 243-9 (47.1 overs); Shadab Khan 113* (96), Jamie Overton 3-43
- Result: Pakistan won by one wicket
England experienced another devastating collapse in their tri-series campaign, surrendering a position of total control to fall to a one-wicket defeat against Pakistan. Despite reducing their opponents to 154-9 while defending a modest total of 241, Harry Brook’s side failed to claim the final wicket needed to secure a victory. 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. 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. On Sunday, the bowlers were on course to mask the deficiencies of the batters, then wilted when it mattered. Plans failed and England were not good enough, heads dropped. Who played a knock for the ages, one of the greatest by a Pakistan batter in an ODI, to focus only on England does a disservice to Shadab.
The recovery was spearheaded by Shadab Khan, who delivered a masterful unbeaten 113—the highest ODI score ever recorded by a number eight batsman. Facing a dire situation when he arrived at the crease at 103-6, the all-rounder hit five sixes and 13 fours during his 96-ball stay, expertly shielding his partner to orchestrate a historic turnaround. Shadab expertly farmed the strike – Rauf faced only 19 deliveries in a stand that lasted 80 balls. He put his head in his hands and was embraced by Rauf, when it came back in his favour.
Haris Rauf proved an invaluable ally, contributing seven runs to an unbroken 10th-wicket partnership of 89. 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.
The stand shattered the record for the highest winning last-wicket partnership in ODI history.
Tension reached a breaking point when Shadab was initially given lbw to Gus Atkinson while trailing by 21 runs; however, a desperate review revealed a minute inside edge, allowing him to continue. In barely believable scenes, Shadab was given out lbw to Gus Atkinson on 97, with 21 runs still required. The players shook hands before Shadab called for a speculative review.
Shortly after, Rauf struck a boundary off debutant Henry Crocombe to seal the win with 17 balls remaining. 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.
The defeat leaves England on the brink of elimination from the tri-series, with their fate now dependent on the outcome of the upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. This loss marks a worrying trend for England, who have failed to secure a win in any of their three tournament matches, showing a recurring inability to manage high-pressure situations as momentum shifts against them. This tri-series was designed to give England experience of the pressure and permutations of tournament play, with less than a year to go to the World Cup. They have gone through two extreme situations, both ending in crushing defeats, in a matter of days.
Earlier in the day, Ben Duckett provided a rare bright spot for the tourists with a composed 105. 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.
England’s bowling attack had also appeared clinical, particularly Jamie Overton, who became the first England seamer since 2017 to bowl 10 consecutive overs in a single spell, finishing with figures of 3-43.
Yet, as the final partnership flourished, the side’s composure eroded, leading to frantic field placements and failed tactical meetings.
The conclusion of the match was marked by palpable friction, with Rauf involved in a confrontation with Will Jacks following a controversial decision regarding a bouncer. Rauf, who displayed remarkable resilience by batting for 70 minutes—the longest he has ever stayed at the crease in this format—defended his first 18 balls before finally finding the release shot that prompted jubilant celebrations. In the heat of the tight finish, Rauf had to be pulled away from a confrontation with England’s Will Jacks when a Sam Curran bouncer was not called wide, while Rauf could also have been run out by Tom Banton’s flick from mid-on when 18 were still required. 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.
For England, the absence of key personnel including Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Jacob Bethell, alongside the omission of Adil Rashid and an injury to Josh Tongue, has clearly hindered their ability to close out tight games. The team now faces a critical period of reflection as they prepare for their final tournament fixture against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
