In a thrilling ODI match, Pakistan pulled off an incredible win, chasing down a massive 345-run target set by Sri Lanka. This chase became the highest-ever in World Cup history. Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan, scored centuries for Pakistan, securing their second win in the tournament.
The toss was won by Sri Lanka, who chose to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Pakistan made one important change to their team, bringing in Abdullah Shafique in place of Fakhar Zaman.
Pakistan’s chase of 345 runs was remarkable, with Rizwan and Shafique leading the charge, especially after Pakistan suffered early setbacks, losing their skipper Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq in the early stages of the game, , within just 7.1 overs, leaving them at 37-2.
This historic chase broke the previous record held by Ireland and made Pakistan the record holder for the highest successful run chase in ODI World Cup history.
Sri Lanka’s batting was also impressive, with Kusal Mendis scoring 122 runs, and Sadeera Samarawickrama reaching a century with 108 runs, and scoring a massive total of 344 runs. This total marked the highest-ever score against Pakistan in a World Cup match, surpassing India’s 336 in the 2019 World Cup held in Manchester, England.
Kusal Mendis was the standout performer, amassing an impressive 122 runs from just 77 deliveries at a striking strike-rate of 158.44. His exceptional innings included 14 boundaries and six towering sixes. Sadeera Samarawickrama continued the momentum, notching up a century of his own with 108 runs from 89 balls, featuring 13 boundaries.
Shafique scored 113 runs with 10 fours and three sixes, while Rizwan stayed till the end, scoring magnificent 131 runs.
The Pakistan bowlers had a challenging day in the field. Hasan Ali emerged as the standout performer, claiming four wickets, but giving up 71 runs. Haris Rauf managed to secure two wickets but gave away 64 runs in his 10 overs. Additionally, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan contributed with one wicket each, while Iftikhar Ahmed remained wicketless, giving away 22 runs.
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This astounding victory serves as a significant confidence booster for the Pakistani side as they gear up for their highly anticipated encounter with India. The clash between these cricket giants is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14, promising to be a highlight of the World Cup.
