PAK vs SL World Cup 2023: Rizwan, Shafique score tons as Pakistan record highest-ever successful chase in history
PAK vs SL World Cup 2023: A lesson in the harsh reality of contemporary ODI cricket was delivered to Sri Lanka after Pakistan amassed the highest-ever World Cup chase target of 345 with six wickets remaining. To make it two victories from two for Pakistan, they were led by tons from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan, who outscored two centuries from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
For the last 15 overs or so of the chase, Rizwan, who at times seemed to be suffering from crippling cramps (the physio arrived and examined him twice), finished the chase unbeaten at 121 off 131 balls. He had put up a third-wicket stand worth 176 off just 156 deliveries with Shafique, who himself recorded the highest score by a Pakistani rookie in a World Cup with his 113 off 103.
With this Pakistan chased down the highest-ever successful run chase in the history of ODI World Cup. The previous highest successful run chase in ODI World Cups had come on March 2, 2011, when Ireland chased down a 328-run target against England.
PAK vs SL: World Cup debutant Abdullah Shafique scored a fabulous ton in a much needed situation
Playing in just his fifth ODI, Shafique hammered a 103-ball 113 becoming the first Pakistan batter to score a hundred in World Cup in India. While Rizwan overcame cramping to score an undefeated 131 and team with Saud Shakeel (31) for a partnership of 95 runs to help Pakistan overcome Sri Lanka’s 344/9 in 48.2 overs.
Following his century, Shafique upped the ante and smashed a couple of boundaries before being dismissed due to a phenomenal diving catch by substitute fielder Dushan Hemantha. Shafique scored 113 runs off 103 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and three sixes.
Then Rizwan formed yet another important partnership, this time with Saud Shakeel. He got his the three-figure mark in 97 balls in the 42nd over. Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Saud Shakeel in the 45th over but it was too little too late from the Lankans as Pakistan looked on their way to a historic win in Hyderabad.
Earlier, Sri Lanka scored an incredible 344/9 thanks to fantastic centuries from Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108). Mendis amassed 122 off 77 balls with 14 fours and 6 sixes while being a member of two century partnerships. Along with Pathum Nissanka (51), he added 102 runs for the second wicket, and with Samarawickrama, 111 for the third.
Also read: IND VS PAK World Cup 2023: Preview, Playing 11, Prediction, Venue, FAQs
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