Pakistan pulled off a remarkable victory against Sri Lanka by chasing the highest target of 354 runs in the World Cup’s history.
Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique played heroics, each scoring centuries, as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in a nail-biting contest at the Hyderabad stadium.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first setting a target of 354 runs for the green shirt whose top order was struggling before the start of Asia Cup in which it lost to Sri Lanka in knock out round.
The performance of Pakistani bowlers was not up to the mark except Hassan Ali who clinched four wickets against 71 runs.
Sri Lanka had set a daunting target of 345, powered by Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s scintillating centuries. Mendis blazed his way to a 77-ball 122, laced with 14 boundaries and six sixes, while Samarawickrama contributed an impressive 108 off 89 balls, including 11 boundaries and two sixes. Despite their efforts, Hasan Ali’s effective bowling (4-71) and Haris Rauf’s crucial breakthroughs (2-64) restricted Sri Lanka’s total to 344-9.
When it comes to batting, Pakistan’s pursuit began on a shaky note, losing early wickets of Imam-ul-Haq (12) and skipper Babar Azam (10) to Dilshan Madushanka. However, Shafique steadied the ship with his maiden ODI century, laying a solid foundation for Rizwan’s explosive innings.
Rizwan, displaying exceptional resilience, played an unbeaten 131 off 121 balls, while Shafique’s brilliant 113 off 103 balls was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Their partnership of 176 runs for the third wicket and another 95-run stand for the fourth wicket with Saud Shakeel (31 off 30 balls) steered Pakistan’s chase.
Rizwan and Shafique’s extraordinary partnership not only secured Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament but also established a new record for the highest World Cup chase, surpassing Ireland’s previous record of 328 against England in 2011.
With this win, Pakistan gains significant momentum and confidence as they prepare for their high-profile clash against arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the epic showdown between these two cricketing giants.
