Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf said he had believed from the outset that Pakistan could beat England, while Shadab Khan credited his teammate for insisting on a review that helped keep their remarkable run chase alive at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Speaking to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Digital after Pakistan's dramatic one-wicket victory on Sunday, Haris said he had told Shadab in the closing stages that he would finish the match himself.
"The way Shadab batted was world-class," Haris said, adding that the win was also a great moment of happiness for the people of Pakistan. Shadab, who struck an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls, said he had not realised the ball had taken an inside edge off his bat when he was given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) on 97.
He said Haris insisted that he take a review, which overturned the decision and allowed him to continue batting. Shadab admitted he had been deeply disappointed at the time, but was pleased to have repaid the confidence shown in him by the selectors and team management.
Pakistan had slumped to 154-9 while chasing England's 242-run target before Shadab and Haris combined for an unbeaten 89-run partnership, the highest 10th-wicket stand in a successful men's ODI chase. Shadab's maiden international century and Haris's unbeaten 7 off 19 balls took Pakistan to 243-9 in 47.1 overs.
Haris struck the winning boundary to seal the victory and secure Pakistan's place in the ODI tri-series final. The previous record for a 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase was 64 runs, set by West Indies' Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts against Pakistan in 1975.
Shadab also set a record for the highest individual ODI score by a batter at No. 7. The atmosphere at the stadium remained electric as fans witnessed a historic turnaround that will be remembered for years to come in the annals of Pakistan cricket.
The match showcased the depth of Pakistan's lower-order batting, proving that the team possesses the resilience to recover from precarious positions. Both players were lauded by cricket experts for their composure under immense pressure.
Team captain and management praised the duo for their tactical awareness during the final overs. The victory serves as a significant morale booster for the squad ahead of the upcoming international fixtures.
As the team prepares for the final, the focus remains on maintaining this momentum. The partnership between Shadab and Haris has become a symbol of hope for fans who have long awaited such a clinical performance in a high-stakes chase.
The match concluded with celebrations across the country, marking a memorable day for cricket enthusiasts who followed the nail-biting finish until the very last ball was delivered.