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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.
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
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."
Here's how fans reacted to Pakistan's massive win against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup:
Good its even more thrilling when you defeat the team which is playing on its peak ! Saturday full of fireworks 🧨
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) October 10, 2023
Well played pakistan 🇵🇰👏🏻 what a knock from Shafique and Rizwan 👌
— ஜோக்கர் பாபு (@Udhaytweets) October 10, 2023
Match to be remembered for all Pakistan cricket fans 💫
— King Kohli's Fan (@PratikV88611911) October 10, 2023
Thank You Hyderabad Crowd ❤️
— Faizan (@i_am_Faiizan) October 10, 2023
Aisa Lag raha tha Jesy Lahore me Match ho raha hai 😍
Well played Pakistan.... Specially Rijwan ✌️👍👍👍
— Vishal Kumar (@vishalkumar9000) October 10, 2023
Team pakistan for you pic.twitter.com/L3LQTIBOJr
— JahanZaib (@JahanZaibb_) October 10, 2023
The Warrior ❤️🤩 pic.twitter.com/UFHkkf8sEP
— H A M Z A 🇵🇰 (@HamzaKhan259) October 10, 2023
Bhai sahab ab mja aaeyga pakistan ko 14 October ko hrane me
— Mohit Bissu (@Mohitbissu001) October 10, 2023
Credit to the Pakistani batsmen for giving their best and securing the win in the match!
— Vipin Sharma (@VipinSharma1203) October 10, 2023
Well Played Pakistan, well deserved win 😅
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) October 10, 2023
See you on Saturday 😉
The exact overconfidence they need before 14th October game vs India.
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) October 10, 2023
Abhi maza ayega na bhidu