‘I Don’t Think We Can Reveal That on Live TV’: Shadab Khan on Conversation With Haris Rauf
Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has revealed that his conversation with Haris Rauf during their match-winning partnership against England involved more than just cricket. The pair helped Pakistan secure a thrilling one-wicket victory in Lahore on Sunday after the hosts were reduced to 154-9 while chasing a target of 242 runs.
Shadab, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten century, said he and Rauf shared several light-hearted moments at the crease.
“He was explaining things to me more than I was explaining things to him. He was saying things along the way that I don’t think we can reveal on live TV. I think we had a lot of fun moments and really enjoyed ourselves. We were talking more about other things than cricket,” Shadab said after the match.
Their relaxed conversation appeared to help them maintain their composure under pressure as Pakistan completed a remarkable comeback to reach the tri-series final.
Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf Create ODI Record
Shadab remained unbeaten on 113, while Rauf contributed seven not out off 19 deliveries. Together, they added an unbeaten 89 runs for the 10th wicket, recording the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI run chase.
Shadab’s innings featured 13 fours and five sixes, as he took responsibility for keeping Pakistan’s chase alive. Rauf played a crucial supporting role, helping his partner steer the team towards victory.
There was also a dramatic moment when Shadab was given out leg before wicket with Pakistan needing 21 runs to win. The all-rounder reviewed the decision, and replays showed an inside edge, allowing him to continue batting.
Reflecting on the victory, Shadab praised Rauf for his contribution to the partnership.
“Obviously, you only enjoy an innings when the team wins. So, I’m very happy that I played that innings and we won the match. I think Haris deserves more credit than me because, obviously, tailenders at that position are always keen to hit sixes. The way I was guiding him, or he was guiding me, we managed to put together a good partnership,” he said.
Shadab Explains How He Stayed Positive at 154-9
Pakistan appeared to be heading towards defeat when Shadab was left with the last batter at the crease. However, the all-rounder continued to believe that he could guide his team home.
Shadab recalled an earlier innings against Australia during his comeback series, when he had fought until the end but could not secure victory. That experience encouraged him to keep believing in his ability to finish the job.
He also felt that the conditions, including dew, and the pressure on England’s bowlers could work in Pakistan’s favour.
Shadab explained that he wanted to keep the pressure on the opposition and force the bowlers to deliver in areas where he could score freely. His approach eventually paid off as Pakistan completed the chase despite losing nine wickets.
Shaheen Afridi’s Four-Wicket Haul Restricts England to 241
Earlier, England were bowled out for 241 in 46.4 overs after Ben Duckett scored a century. Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of four wickets for 46 runs.
Afridi struck early by dismissing Tom Banton in the opening over before removing Joe Root in the third. Haris Rauf then dismissed Jordan Cox as England slipped to 52-4.
Duckett and Sam Curran steadied the innings with a 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Curran scored 42 before falling to Afridi, while Jamie Overton helped England move past the 200-run mark. Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 36.
Pakistan Recover After Early Batting Collapse
Pakistan’s chase also began poorly, with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam dismissed for 10 runs each. Saad Baig contributed a quick 32 off 22 balls, while Salman Ali Agha scored 26, but wickets continued to fall.
Shadab arrived at the crease in the 24th over with Pakistan struggling at 103-6. He held the innings together before Rauf joined him for the decisive final-wicket stand.
The victory secured Pakistan’s place in the tri-series final and marked a memorable comeback for Shadab, who turned a seemingly lost contest into a remarkable win.
For England, the defeat extended their losing run in the series. Their campaign had already suffered a setback against Sri Lanka, who chased down 430 with one ball remaining in a match that produced the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.