Shadab Khan Century Draws Praise After Pakistan Beat England

LAHORE: Shai Hope, Angelo Mathews and Ian Bishop were among the international cricket figures who praised Pakistan after their remarkable one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series on Sunday, with Shadab Khan’s unbeaten century drawing particular attention.

Pakistan looked close to defeat at 154-9 while chasing England’s 242-run target at Gaddafi Stadium. Shadab, however, kept the chase alive with an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls, sharing an unbroken 89-run partnership with Haris Rauf to take Pakistan into the final.

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy summed up the contest in a short social media post.

“Wow.. another thriller,” Sammy wrote.

Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews focused on Shadab’s individual effort, praising the all-rounder for rescuing Pakistan when the match appeared to be slipping away.

“That was a sensational innings by @76Shadabkhan 👏👏 won it for Pakistan out of nowhere,” Mathews wrote.

West Indies batter Shai Hope also reacted to the finish, posting: “Cricket 🤝 Absolute Cinema.”

Ian Bishop highlighted the contributions of both Pakistan players, pointing to Haris’ support at the other end as Shadab took responsibility for the chase.

“Outstanding win by Pakistan by 1 wicket tonight. YES of course, Shadab KHAN!!!!!! Brilliant innings. As important a 7(19) by Haris Rauf in an 89 run partnership for the last wicket,” Bishop wrote.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain also credited the pair, particularly Shadab’s decision to change his approach when Pakistan needed to accelerate.

“You've got to give Pakistan credit, and Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf,” Hussain said, praising their awareness and execution under pressure.

He also criticised England’s response when the game turned against them, saying the side had struggled to cope when put under pressure in the closing stages.

Shadab and Haris turn the match around

The Shadab Khan century against England came after Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam were among the early dismissals, leaving the hosts in trouble during the chase.

Shadab responded with 13 fours and five sixes, keeping Pakistan in contention as wickets continued to fall. His innings was the highest individual score in men's ODIs by a batter coming in at number eight or lower, according to the ICC.

Haris contributed only seven runs off 19 deliveries, but his presence at the other end proved vital. Their unbeaten 89-run stand became the highest tenth-wicket partnership in a successful men's ODI run chase, surpassing the previous record of 64 runs.

Pakistan completed the chase at 243-9 in 47.1 overs, winning by one wicket and securing their place in the tri-series final. The result gave the hosts their third consecutive victory in the competition, while England remained without a win after three matches.

Shadab’s century provided the defining moment of the contest, but the partnership with Haris ensured that his innings ended in victory rather than another narrow defeat.