PAK vs ENGAt Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though Pakistan had lost the match. The English players had already begun to celebrate, handshakes were being exchanged, and Shadab Khan appeared visibly dejected.
However, a review changed everything. Following this, the hosts, Pakistan, secured a thrilling one-wicket victory in the ODI tri-series. With this win, they have also confirmed their place in the final.
An Umpire’s Decision, Then a Turn of Events
The drama unfolded in the 45th over when a delivery from Gus Atkinson struck Shadab’s pad. The bowler appealed, and the umpire raised his finger. Accepting the decision, Shadab began walking toward the pavilion.
The English players started celebrating their victory; some had even begun shaking hands, and for a brief moment, the television broadcast displayed that England had won by 20 runs.
Clearly distressed, Shadab slammed his bat onto the ground and sank to his knees. Joe Root and Harry Brook approached him to shake his hand, while the rest of the English side remained immersed in their celebrations.
But then, at the very last moment, Shadab decided to opt for a review. The replays changed everything: UltraEdge revealed that the ball had brushed the bat before hitting the pad. The decision was overturned, and the crowd in the stadium erupted with joy.
How a potential 20-run defeat turned into a 1-wicket victory
Shadab was granted another chance to finish the match, much to the surprise of the English players. Pakistan’s hopes were revived, and the contest continued. Making the most of this opportunity in his first match of the tournament, Shadab delivered.
He scored an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls, featuring 12 fours and 5 sixes. Rauf contributed an unbeaten 7 off 19 balls. The pair forged a record-breaking 89-run partnership for the 10th wicket, steering Pakistan to a 1-wicket victory.
Pakistan into the final
Batting first, England set Pakistan a target of 242 runs, which the latter chased down with 17 balls to spare, having lost 9 wickets. With this win, Pakistan has secured a spot in the final of the tri-series.
