Cricket fans in Lahore witnessed a modern miracle in the fourth ODI of the tri-series as Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf combined for a staggering, unbeaten 89-run tenth-wicket partnership to guide Pakistan to an improbable victory over England.

Coming together with the game seemingly lost, the duo deflated the English bowlers and rewrote the record books. While their heroic match-winning stand will go down in folklore, it also shines a spotlight on the rarest of cricket phenomena: the final-wicket masterclass.

Here is a look at where Pakistan’s heroics rank among the seven highest tenth-wicket partnerships in One Day International history.

1. Viv Richards and Michael Holding (106* Runs)

The gold standard for final-wicket partnerships was set over four decades ago in Manchester. On 31 May 1984, the West Indies were in deep trouble against England until the legendary Viv Richards decided to take total control. Partnered by fast bowler Michael Holding, Richards smashed a breath-taking 189 not out. Holding played his part perfectly, contributing 12 runs to an unbeaten 106-run stand that completely demoralised the hosts.

2. Mohammad Amir and Saeed Ajmal (103 Runs)

Before the latest drama, Pakistan already held a prestigious place near the top of this list. On 9 November 2009 in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan collapsed to 101 for 9 while chasing New Zealand‘s total. Young fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spin maestro Saeed Ajmal refused to surrender, putting on a spectacular 103-run partnership. Though Pakistan narrowly lost the match by seven runs, this defiance remains the only other century-stand for the tenth wicket.

3. Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach (99* Runs)

The West Indies struck gold on 2 Dec 2011 in Visakhapatnam against India. The Caribbean side were collapsing rapidly until tailenders Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach united. Rampaul launched an incredible counter-attack, smashing 86 not out from just 66 balls. Roach anchored the other end to help compile an unbeaten 99-run partnership, falling just one run short of a historic century-stand.

4. Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf (89* Runs)

The newest entry on this list belongs to Pakistan’s heroes in Lahore. Facing England, Pakistan’s batting line-up appeared dead and buried until Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf staged their magnificent intervention. Combining aggressive hitting with clever strike rotation, their unbeaten 89-run stand single-handedly turned what appeared to be a certain defeat into a famous, jaw-dropping ODI victory.

5. Aayan Afzal Khan and Hazrat Bilal (83* Runs)

The associate cricket world provided its own slice of history on 18 November 2022 in Kirtipur. Playing against Nepal, the United Arab Emirates looked completely out of options. Teenager Aayan Afzal Khan showed maturity far beyond his years, anchoring the innings alongside number eleven Hazrat Bilal.

6. Luke Ronchi and Mitchell McClenaghan (76 Runs)

New Zealand found themselves in a dire situation against South Africa in Mount Maunganui on 24 October 2014. Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi decided to launch a counter-offensive from number seven. When he was joined by fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan for the final wicket, the pair combined for a rapid 76 runs. Ronchi blasted 79 to push the Black Caps to a respectable score.

7. Yasir Shah and Mohammad Amir (76 Runs)

Pakistan’s historic knack for lower-order resistance was again evident on 30 August 2016 in Nottingham. Facing a rampant England team, Pakistan’s top order crumbled. Standing tall at the end, spinner Yasir Shah and paceman Mohammad Amir fought back with an entertaining 76-run partnership. It was Amir’s second appearance in the record books, proving his unique capability as a dangerous final-wicket batsman.