Hyderabad, 10 October 2023: Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique smoked terrific centuries as Pakistan successfully chased down the highest target in World Cup history, securing a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Overcoming leg cramps, Rizwan compiled an unbeaten 131 from 121 balls, while Abdullah contributed a well-played 113 off 103 balls. Pakistan surpassed their 345-run target in 48.2 overs, marking their second consecutive win and boosting their confidence ahead of a crucial match against India in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Sri Lanka had posted a formidable total of 344-9, primarily built on brilliant centuries by Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Rizwan, with eight boundaries and three sixes, and Abdullah, with ten boundaries and three sixes, surpassed the previous highest World Cup chase of 328 set by Ireland against England in Bangalore in 2011. Their partnership of 176 runs for the third wicket and another 95 runs for the fourth with Saud Shakeel (31 off 30 balls) played pivotal roles in Pakistan's successful pursuit.
Despite a challenging start where they lost Imam-ul-Haq (12) and skipper Babar Azam (ten) early to pacer Dilshan Madushanka, Rizwan and Abdullah led Pakistan to a remarkable victory. Imam became the second joint-fastest to reach 3,000 runs in 67 ODI innings.
Abdullah, replacing Fakhar Zaman, justified his selection by reaching his maiden hundred off 97 balls. He fell in the 34th over to Matheesha Pathirana, but Rizwan continued the chase, achieving his third ODI hundred off 97 balls. He sealed the win with a single and celebrated with raised hands.
During Sri Lanka's innings, Mendis played a spectacular inning, scoring the fastest century for Sri Lanka in a World Cup match with a 77-ball 122, supported by Samarawickrama's maiden hundred.
Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, finishing with 4-71 and 2-64, respectively.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan won by six wickets
Sri Lanka 344-9 (Kusal Mendis 122, Sadeera Samarawickrama 108, Pathum Nissanka 51; Hasan Ali 4-71)
Pakistan 345-4 in 48.2 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 131 not out, Abdullah Shafique 113; Dilshan Madushanka 2-60)
Player of the match – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
