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ODI world cup 2023 Cricket

'Bhai sahab ab mja aaeyga' - Fans react as Pakistan register highest successful run-chase in World Cup history against Sri Lanka

The Men in Green had a huge target in front of them but an incredible innings by Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan gave them a decisive victory.

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Mathew K
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PAK vs SL

PAK vs SL

Pakistan pulled off the highest successful run-chase in World Cup history to claim their second win in the ongoing edition. The Men in Green had a huge target in front of them but an incredible innings by Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan gave them a decisive victory. Pakistan chased down a mammoth target of 345 runs in 48.2 overs with four wickets in hand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, October 10. 

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Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start as they lost opener Kusal Perera cheaply in the second over. However, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched a 90-plus partnership to ensure they don't lose the momentum. Nissanka departed after making a fine half-century but the in-form Mendis continued the attack. He was accompanied by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who had joined the party to demolish the Pakistan bowling unit. 

Mendis' breathtaking knock of 122 runs off just 77 deliveries was an absolute treat to watch. The right-hander notched up his 3rd ODI century in just 65 balls, setting the record for the fastest century by a Sri Lankan batter in the ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, Samarawickrama stayed till the 48th over, scoring 108 runs off 89 balls. Their scintillating knocks helped Sri Lanka post 344 on the board. 

Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan took the game away from Sri Lanka 

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In reply, Pakistan also had a horror start to their innings, losing opener Imam-ul-Haq in the fourth over. They suffered another setback in the form of captain Babar Azam's dismissal. However, Mohammad Rizwan came out to bat at number four and everything went in Pakistan's favour. The wicketkeeper-batter started firing along with opener Abdullah Shafique. 

The duo put on a huge partnership for the third wicket and took the game away from the Lions. Shafique became the first Pakistan cricketer to score a century in the World Cup in India. The right-hander was dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana in the 34th over, but he had already done the damage, making 113 off 103 balls. Rizwan, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 131 and ended the game with Iftikhar Ahmed. 

Speaking after the match, Player of the match Mohammad Rizwan said: "Always a proud moment for me whenever you perform for your country. I am speechless at this moment. It was difficult. The thing was that after the bowling innings we went back and everyone was confident. Unluckily, they got Babar Azam early but we got good partnerships after that. It's a good track, was supporting to us. I told Shafique to take it step by step."

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Here's how fans reacted to Pakistan's massive win against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup: 

 

Pakistan featured Sri Lanka ODI World Cup 2023