Pakistan are up against Sri Lanka in the 8th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, October 10 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. After electing to bat first, the Lankan batters set the stage on fire with some incredible hitting. Blistering knocks from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama kept fans throughout the match. Meanwhile, in an unexpected development, a fan who was enjoying the match from the stands was caught up in the controversy.
Sri Lanka did not get off to a good start as they once again lost opener Kusal Perera cheaply. However, Mendis and Pathum Nissanka played smartly to ensure their team did not lose momentum. The two stitched nearly a 100-run partnership before Shadab Khan dismissed opener Nissanka (51 off 61) in the 18th over. The in-form Mendis was then partnered by Samarawickrama, with whom he tore apart the Pakistan bowling unit.
Mendis played a breathtaking knock of 122 runs off just 77 deliveries. The 28-year-old notched up his 3rd ODI century in just 65 balls, including 13 fours and four sixes, setting the record for the fastest century by a Sri Lankan batter in the Men's ODI World Cup Samarawickrama, on the other hand, stayed till the 48th over, scoring 108 runs off 89 balls.
A fan was caught on camera as spectators at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium enjoying fireworks by Sri Lankan batters, sparking confusion over whether he was actually a Pakistan or India supporter. He was wearing the Team India jersey but was waving the Pakistan flag during the first innings.
The picture quickly went viral on social media and fans expressed their shock and disappointment. Seeing the action against the integrity of India, many people criticised the individual's patriotism and motives.
Check out how fans reacted to the viral image:
It's disheartening when individuals tarnish the reputation of their own country.
— Vipin Sharma (@VipinSharma1203) October 10, 2023
I think he is from Bangladesh 😜
— Samar Shrivastav (@im_samar7) October 10, 2023
We live in a country where people support enemies and hate Indian captain 💔#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/qL9QfARLaZ
— Nisha (@NishaRo45_) October 10, 2023
Clown wearing Indian jersey and holding Pakistan flag 🤡🤡🤡
— Manojkumar (@Manojkumar_099) October 10, 2023
Who are these people supporting Pakistan? Definitely not Pakistanis. The Indian government must send a few of them to the Indo-Pak border. Then they'll think 1000 times before raising Pakistan's national flag. #PAKvSL
— Prathamesh Kakad (@dankPk29) October 10, 2023
Wearing Indian Jersey & holding Paxtan Flag. These kind of people we should be worry about pic.twitter.com/7Z6KFPD3Wx
— Squint Neon (@TheSquind) October 10, 2023
Not sure bcz he's wearing IND jersey but...IF he's an Indian & still waving Pakistan's flag...he's a bloody traitor
— RS (@_focus__on) October 10, 2023
Want to watch match Go but waving pak's flag? Ridiculous
Why so much love for that terror!st nation?Go and live there & then flaunt their flag happily#PAKvSL https://t.co/iLG4gqwUEl
Inko toh desh nikala de do https://t.co/100f3lE0o7
— HARENDRA 045 (@HARENDRA045) October 10, 2023