World Cup 2023
Pakistan clinched a second consecutive World Cup victory, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in Hyderabad on Tuesday, with impressive performances from Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique with the bat.
In a historic achievement, the Green Shirts successfully chased down 345 runs against Sri Lanka, surpassing Ireland’s record for the highest-ever run chase in the history of ODI World Cups.
Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing their top-order batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, within just 7.1 overs, leaving them at 37-2. However, the match-winning partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and World Cup debutant Abdullah Shafique turned the tide in favor of the struggling Pakistani side.
Abdullah Shafique departed after a brilliant 113 off 103 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Rizwan remained at the crease, guiding his side to victory with a remarkable 131 runs, making it Pakistan’s second-highest individual score in a World Cup, surpassing Ramiz Raja’s 119 against New Zealand in 1992.
This astounding win will boost Pakistan’s confidence as they prepare to face arch-rivals India in the highly-anticipated World Cup match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14.
Moreover, Sri Lanka had set a formidable target with Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s outstanding batting performances, amassing a massive total of 344 runs. This marked the highest-ever total against Pakistan in a World Cup match, surpassing India’s 336 in the 2019 World Cup in Manchester, England.
Mendis contributed a stellar 122 runs from just 77 deliveries, with an impressive strike-rate of 158.44, featuring 14 boundaries and six sixes. Meanwhile, Samarawickrama maintained the momentum by completing his century, scoring 108 runs from 89 balls, including 13 boundaries.
Overall, Pakistan secures a World Cup 2023 victory, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets, thanks to stellar performances by Rizwan and Shafique.
