Pakistan made history in the ICC World Cup 2023 by completing an incredible 346-run chase against Sri Lanka in a jaw-dropping show of cricket skill. This incredible feat not only delivered a historic victory, but also established a new World Cup record for the most successful run pursuit.
Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan were the historic chase’s heroes.
Shafique made an impressive World Cup debut, scoring 113 runs off 103 balls in only his sixth ODI encounter. His innings featured a whopping ten fours and three sixes.
Rizwan, on the other hand, made a fantastic performance, finishing with an unbroken 131 runs. He hit his third ODI century in 97 balls, with seven fours and two sixes.
WHAT A WIN 🙌
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2023
Batting of the highest order to pull off a stunning run chase 🤩#PAKvSL | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/ULVzA1VQhr
The match’s turning moment was their third-wicket stand, which proved to be a game-changer.
The partnership, altered the game’s dynamics and opened the path for Pakistan’s historic victory.
Prior to this incredible performance, Ireland held the record for the most successful run chase in a World Cup, having chased down 328 runs against England during the 2011 tournament
Pakistan’s victory has written a new chapter in World Cup history.
Sri Lanka opened the match with an impressive score of 344-9, thanks to Kusal Mendis’ powerful performance.
Mendis displayed his swashbuckling abilities by blasting a century in just 65 balls, becoming Sri Lanka’s fastest hundred.
His innings featured 14 boundaries and six sixes, laying the groundwork for Sri Lanka’s daunting total.
Sadeera Samarawickrama joined the run-fest, giving a magnificent maiden century of 108 runs to Sri Lanka’s supremacy. His innings included 11 boundaries and two sixes, boosting Sri Lanka’s position even further.
Despite some early difficulties, including the loss of Kusal Perera in the second over, Mendis avoided dropped catches twice, allowing him to reach his daunting century.
Mendis built important partnerships with Pathum Nissanka (51 runs), and then with Samarawickrama, as they unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes.
Pakistan’s bowlers were relentlessly attacked, notably fast bowler Haris Rauf, who was struck aggressively.
Mendis eventually completed his century off 65 balls, a key milestone in his career.
While Hasan Ali emerged as Pakistan’s leading bowler with 4-71 and Haris Rauf added 2-64, the big target appeared daunting.
However, Pakistan’s incredible run chase, led by Shafique and Rizwan, rewrote World Cup history and left fans speechless.
Rizwan won the Player of the Match award.
