Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 drew enthusiastic praise from cricketers around the world on social media after it guided Pakistan to a one-wicket win over England in the ODI tri-series on Sunday.
The all-rounder scored 113 off 96 deliveries, including 13 fours and five sixes. Pakistan chased down a target of 242 at Gaddafi Stadium to secure a place in the tri-series final.
Shadab walked to the crease after the top order collapsed. Wickets kept falling at the other end, with Pakistan slumping to 154-9. Shadab and Haris Rauf needed 89 more runs to win.
Shadab reached his maiden ODI century under pressure and kept Pakistan in the contest. Rauf supported him at the other end and hit the winning runs in the 48th over.
Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali praised the all-rounder’s response to his critics: “Shadab Khan, YOU BEAUTY! Under pressure, with fingers being raised, he answered the only way that matters. Brilliant game awareness, nerves of steel, and execution when it mattered most. Haris Rauf played his part beautifully too… Great work boys!!”
West Indies batter Shai Hope summed up the finish in a short post. “Cricket 🤝 Absolute Cinema,” he wrote.
Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop highlighted the last-wicket stand. “Outstanding win by Pakistan by 1 wicket. tonight. YES of course, Shadab KHAN!!!!!! Brilliant innings. As important a 7(19) by Harris Rauf in an 89 run partnership for the last wicket,” he stated.
Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said Shadab “won it for Pakistan out of nowhere.” West Indies cricketer Sherfane Rutherford called the knock a “match-winning masterclass delivered under pressure, well-done brother.”
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt described the innings as “absolutely magnificent,” adding that Shadab couldn’t have played a better and timely knock for both the country and himself.
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad praised Shadab’s composure and also pointed to the team’s batting problems. “Shadab Khan deserves credit for his maiden international century, showing composure and responsibility under pressure. Haris Rauf stood firm alongside him as the last wicket pair carried Pakistan over the line,” he posted.
“A remarkable win, but the batting concerns remain. These repeated collapses need addressing, and the top order must find consistency well before the World Cup assignment,” Shehzad added.
West Indies commentator Daren Sammy described the match as a “thriller”.
