Shadab century steers Pakistan to thriller over England

Shadab Khan struck a magnificent maiden ODI century to rescue Pakistan from a dire situation, sealing a stunning one-wicket victory over England in Lahore on Sunday. The dramatic win booked the hosts' spot in the final of the tri-series.

Defending a modest 242-run target, England looked destined for victory when the home team slipped to 154-9. However, Shadab's unbeaten 113 shattered Harry Brook's side, condemning them to a third defeat in five days in the series.

Number eleven batter Haris Rauf calmly cracked the winning boundary with 17 balls to spare, finishing unbeaten on seven. The pair combined for an extraordinary, match-winning 89-run partnership for the final wicket.

Shadab enjoyed a massive slice of fortune when he was given out leg-before-wicket off Gus Atkinson on 97 with 21 runs still needed. Trudging off distraught, he opted for a review that successfully overturned the decision.

The 28-year-old capitalised on the reprieve to register the highest-ever score by a number eight batsman in all ODI cricket. His remarkable knock featured five sixes and 13 boundaries.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi admitted he was left struggling for words after the unbelievable turnaround. Meanwhile, Brook refused to point fingers at his bowling attack despite their inability to close out the contest.

Earlier in the match, England were dismissed for 241 in 46.4 overs, anchored by Ben Duckett's century and Sam Curran's 42. Shaheen led the Pakistan bowling attack with figures of 4-46, while debutant Razaullah claimed 2-38.

The defeat leaves England's hopes of reaching the final hanging in the balance ahead of the remaining fixtures.