Unbeaten 89-run last-wicket stand surpasses West Indies pair’s 64-run partnership
By Shakeel Ur Rehman, Peshawar
Pakistan secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over England after an extraordinary last-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf turned an almost certain defeat into a memorable triumph. The pair added an unbeaten 89 runs for the tenth wicket, setting a new record for the highest last-wicket partnership in a successful run chase in men’s One-Day International cricket.
Chasing a target of 242, Pakistan found themselves in serious trouble as the English bowlers dismantled their batting line-up. With the score at 154 for nine, Pakistan still needed 88 runs, and England appeared firmly in control of the contest.
However, Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf refused to surrender. Showing remarkable composure, determination and attacking intent, the two batters resisted England’s bowling attack and gradually turned the match in Pakistan’s favour.
Shadab played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 113 off 96 balls, striking 13 fours and five sixes. Haris provided valuable support, remaining unbeaten on seven as the pair guided Pakistan to 242 for nine in 47.1 overs.
Their outstanding partnership sealed a dramatic one-wicket victory and produced one of the most memorable last-wicket stands in ODI history.
51-Year-Old Record Broken
The most remarkable feature of Pakistan’s victory was the record-breaking 89-run partnership for the final wicket.
The previous benchmark for the highest tenth-wicket partnership in a successful ODI run chase belonged to West Indies’ Murray and Andy Roberts, who added an unbeaten 64 runs against Pakistan in the 1975 Cricket World Cup to guide their team to a one-wicket victory.
Shadab and Haris surpassed that 51-year-old record with their remarkable stand, adding another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Their achievement highlighted the importance of resilience and belief in cricket, demonstrating that a match is never over until the final wicket falls.
Shadab’s Maiden ODI International Century
Shadab produced an innings of exceptional character under immense pressure, registering his maiden international ODI century. His superb stroke play and calculated aggression kept Pakistan’s hopes alive when defeat seemed inevitable.
Haris, meanwhile, played a crucial supporting role, ensuring that Shadab retained the strike whenever possible while contributing to the team’s remarkable recovery.
The pair’s determination and composure proved decisive as Pakistan overcame a difficult position to achieve an extraordinary victory.
Duckett’s Century Goes in Vain
Earlier, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs. Ben Duckett top-scored with an impressive 105 off 111 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes.
Sam Curran contributed 42, while Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 36.
For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered an impressive bowling performance, claiming four wickets for 36 runs. Debutant Razaullah also made a valuable contribution, taking two wickets to help restrict England to a manageable total.
Despite Duckett’s century, England could not defend their total as Shadab and Haris produced a remarkable late-order recovery.
Pakistan’s victory will be remembered for the extraordinary courage and determination displayed by the final pair. Their unbeaten 89-run partnership not only secured a thrilling win but also eclipsed a record that had stood for 51 years.
