Shaheen’s Four Wickets and Shadab’s Century Sink England

LAHORE: (Sports Reporter) – Shadab Khan produced a stunning performance under pressure, smashing his maiden One-Day International century to guide Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in the fourth ODI of the tri-nation series.

Pakistan chased down a target of 242 runs in the 48th over, finishing at the cost of nine wickets after a dramatic contest that went down to the final wicket. The Pakistani players also wore pink kits to raise awareness about breast cancer.

After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field first and bundled England out for 241 runs in the 47th over. England suffered an early collapse as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in the opening three overs, dismissing Tom Banton for four and Joe Root for five. Harry Brook was run out in the fifth over, leaving England in deep trouble.

Haris Rauf claimed another wicket as England slipped to 52 for four. However, opener Ben Duckett steadied the innings with an impressive 105-run knock, while Sam Curran contributed 42 runs and Gus Atkinson added 36.

Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets, reaching the landmark of 150 ODI wickets in the process. Razaullah and Arafat Minhas picked up two wickets apiece, while Haris Rauf claimed one.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Fakhar Zaman dismissed for 10, Saim Ayub for six and Babar Azam for 10. Saad Baig scored 32 runs, Salman Agha made 26 and Hassan Nawaz contributed 15, but Pakistan continued to lose wickets at crucial moments.

With the match slipping away, Shadab Khan stepped up at number eight and delivered a career-defining innings. Showing remarkable composure, he kept Pakistan’s hopes alive and completed his maiden ODI century to put the hosts within reach of victory.

Shadab received valuable support from Haris Rauf, who remained at the crease as the pair stitched together an unbeaten-in-spirit but ultimately match-winning final-wicket stand of 89 runs. When Shadab was on 97, the umpire initially ruled him out LBW, but Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision and the verdict was overturned.

Shadab finished unbeaten on 113 off 96 deliveries, striking 13 fours and five sixes, while Rauf remained not out on seven. Their remarkable partnership carried Pakistan to 242 for nine in the 48th over, sealing a memorable one-wicket win over England.