England lose to Pakistan after stunning Shadab ton
- Published
One-day international tri-series, Lahore
England 241 (46.4 overs): Duckett 105 (111), Shaheen 4-46
Pakistan 243-9 (47.1 overs): Shadab 113* (96), Overton 3-43
Pakistan won by one wicket
England somehow lost another one-day international from a seemingly unbeatable position thanks to an improbable last-wicket stand by Pakistan in Lahore.
Three days after conceding 430 to lose to Sri Lanka, Harry Brook's side were beaten despite reducing Pakistan to 154-9 in pursuit of 242.
Shadab Khan was the engineer of Pakistan's unlikely win, striking a quite brilliant unbeaten 113 - the highest score by a number eight in an ODI.
He was supported by Haris Rauf, Pakistan's number 11 contributing seven to the unbroken 10th-wicket partnership of 89 - comfortably a new record for a last-wicket pair to win an ODI.
In barely believable scenes, Shadab was given out lbw to Gus Atkinson on 97, with 22 runs still required.
The players shook hands before Shadab called for a speculative review. DRS found a tiny inside edge and, reprieved, he watched Rauf belt debutant Henry Crocombe down the ground for the winning boundary with 17 balls to spare.
It means England are all but out of the tri-series - their exit will be confirmed if Sri Lanka beat Pakistan on Tuesday.
A second implosion in as many matches is hugely concerning for England, who looked to be on course for victory despite being bowled out for only 241.
Ben Duckett made a fine 105 - only the opener, Sam Curran and Gus Atkinson passing 20 in blameless conditions.
Nevertheless, England were well on course thanks to a collectively relentless display from their bowlers. Jamie Overton bowled his 10 overs in one spell for 3-43.
Then came Shadab and another baffling defeat for England, who could be out before they play their final game against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Tournament experience teaching England to lose
With less than a year to go to the World Cup, this tri-series was designed to give England experience of the pressure and permutations of tournament play.
In a matter of days, they have gone through two extreme situations, both ending in crushing defeats. What linked both matches was England's powerlessness to salvage the situation once the momentum turned against them.
If anything, the finish to this match was more dramatic than Sri Lanka pulling off the second-highest chase in ODI history.
Even Shadab was convinced he was out when he was hit on the shin by Atkinson's low full toss - he called for the hopeful review as he was walking off the field. When it came back in his favour, he put his head in his hands and was embraced by Rauf.
In the heat of the tight finish, Rauf had to be pulled away from a confrontation with England's Will Jacks when a Sam Curran bouncer was not called wide, while Rauf could also have been run out by Tom Banton's flick from mid-on when 18 were still required.
Shadab expertly farmed the strike - Rauf faced only 19 deliveries in a stand that lasted 80 balls.
Rauf defended his first 18 balls then cut loose to his 19th, hammering Crocombe for four then running away and throwing his bat in the air to begin the joyous celebrations.
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- Published28 August