HYDERABAD: In a thrilling high-scoring match, newcomers Abdullah Shafiq and the in-form Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan to a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka in its second ICC World Cup match in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Both batsmen scored centuries, making Pakistan a World Cup record chase of 345 runs seem effortless as they won by six wickets.
Pakistan’s pursuit of the mammoth target got off to a slow start, with the loss of their first wicket at 16 runs when Imam was dismissed for just 12 runs. Further pressure mounted when skipper Babar Azam was out for a mere 10 runs, leaving Pakistan at 37 for 2 in 7.2 overs. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafiq then cautiously built the innings, and by the 20th over, Pakistan had only managed to reach 100 runs.
Abdullah Shafiq Makes First ODI Century in World Cup
But the duo gained momentum, forming a strong partnership of 176 runs. Abdullah Shafiq achieved his maiden ODI World Cup century, while Rizwan completed his half-century. Their partnership was broken when Abdullah Shafiq was dismissed for 113 in the 34th over with the score at 213. Despite suffering from cramps, Rizwan continued to push towards the target, joined by Saud Shakeel. Together, they reached 271 for 3 in 40 overs.
Despite losing their fourth wicket at 308 in the 45th over, Rizwan and Iftikhar managed to finish the game for Pakistan in the 49th over, securing victory by six wickets. This victory marked Pakistan’s first win in the World Cup and the second-highest successful chase while batting second.
Rizwan remained unbeaten with 131 runs, while Iftikhar contributed a quick unbeaten 22 runs to seal the victory. Madushanka took two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Pathirana and Theekshana each claimed one.
Sri Lanka, batting first after winning the toss, encountered early trouble, losing their first wicket for just five runs in the second over. Kusal Parera was dismissed by Hasan Ali, caught by Rizwan. However, Kusal Mendis and Nissanka forged a strong partnership, with Mendis scoring a sensational century. Mendis reached 122 runs from just 77 balls, including 14 boundaries and 6 sixes.
Despite losing wickets, Sri Lanka managed to set a formidable total of 344 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. In Pakistan’s bowling effort, Hassan Ali was the standout performer with 4 wickets, while Haris Rauf took two wickets. Muhammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Afridi each claimed one wicket.
