Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan and fast bowler Haris Rauf wrote their names in the record books on Sunday with a stunning performance against England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The pair put together an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the 10th wicket, the highest ever in a successful men’s ODI chase.
Pakistan were in deep trouble at 154 for 9 while chasing England’s total of 242. What followed was pure cricket magic. Shadab and Rauf joined forces and completely turned the match around. Their calm yet aggressive batting guided Pakistan to 243 for 9 in 47.1 overs, sealing a dramatic one-wicket victory and a place in the ODI tri-series final.
Shadab was the star of the show. He remained unbeaten on 113 off 96 balls, smashing 13 fours and five sixes. This was his maiden ODI century and also the highest individual score by any batter batting at number eight in men’s ODI history. The previous record of 100 not out was jointly held by Ireland’s Simi Singh and Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Haris Rauf played the perfect supporting role. He scored an unbeaten 7 off 19 balls and hit the winning runs to complete Pakistan’s memorable comeback. The previous record for the highest 10th-wicket stand in a successful ODI chase was 64 runs, set by West Indies’ Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts against Pakistan way back in 1975.
Australia’s James Faulkner and Clint McKay hold the third place with an unbeaten 57-run stand against England in 2014. Kenya’s Thomas Odoyo and Hiren Varaiya are next with 55 runs, followed by Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman with 51 runs.
This incredible partnership not only saved the match but also gave Pakistan fans a night they will never forget. The capacity crowd at Gaddafi Stadium erupted in joy as Rauf hit the winning runs. Both players were surrounded by teammates in pure celebration.
Shadab’s fearless batting and Rauf’s composure under pressure proved once again that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Their record-breaking stand will be remembered for years as one of the greatest lower-order rescues in ODI cricket history.
