Pakistan scripted a historic win against Sri Lanka, chasing down an unprecedented target of 345 runs. This remarkable victory, achieved with six wickets in hand, has left cricket enthusiasts in awe.
The dynamic duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s triumph. Rizwan displayed exceptional grit, battling leg cramps to notch an unbeaten 131 runs off 121 balls. Shafique, on the other hand, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 113 runs off 103 balls.
WHAT A WIN 🙌
Batting of the highest order to pull off a stunning run chase 🤩#PAKvSL | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/ULVzA1VQhr
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2023
Their partnership, worth 176 runs for the third wicket, was instrumental in Pakistan’s remarkable run chase. Additionally, Rizwan and Saud Shakeel’s partnership of 95 runs for the fourth wicket further solidified Pakistan’s grip on the game.
🚨RECORDS-TUMBLING NIGHT IN HYDERABAD
Highest successful chase in a @cricketworldcup match ✅
Highest successful run-chase for 🇵🇰 in an away game ✅#PAKvSL | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/5GIcUAdXNx
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2023
This victory was particularly special as it marked the highest successful chase in World Cup history, surpassing Ireland’s achievement of 328 runs against England in 2011.
Pakistan’s journey to victory, however, began on a shaky note with the early dismissals of Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam. Nevertheless, Shafique’s maiden century and Rizwan’s incredible determination helped Pakistan recover from this early setback.
When Sri Lanka batted first after winning the toss, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama delivered scintillating performances. Mendis, in particular, stole the show by smashing the fastest century for Sri Lanka in a World Cup match, scoring 122 runs off just 77 balls. His aggressive innings featured 14 boundaries and six sixes. Samarawickrama was equally impressive, contributing 108 runs off 89 balls, marking his maiden century.
Despite two dropped catches, Mendis remained relentless, reaching his 50 in just 40 balls. His partnership with Pathum Nissanka (51) added 102 runs for the second wicket. Later, alongside Samarawickrama, Mendis crafted a brilliant partnership, accumulating 111 runs for the third wicket.
Mendis continued to punish the Pakistani bowlers, displaying his prowess with a stunning six off Hasan Ali’s bowling to secure his third century in ODIs. Hasan Ali, however, had the last laugh as he dismissed Mendis after his exhilarating century.
The match was not short of thrilling moments, with Samarawickrama and Dhananjaya de Silva contributing significantly with the bat. Hasan Ali emerged as the most successful bowler for Pakistan, claiming four wickets for 71 runs, while Haris Rauf took two wickets for 64 runs.
https://twitter.com/harrycricketpak/status/1711796407022354608?s=20
This remarkable victory has boosted Pakistan’s confidence significantly, especially ahead of their highly anticipated clash with India in Ahmedabad on Saturday.