ISLAMABAD: Driven by centuries from Muhammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan completed the highest successful chase ever in a World Cup match on Tuesday when they chased down Sri Lanka’s 345-run target at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Pakistan, fresh off a victory against the Netherlands on Friday, were clobbered for boundaries by Sri Lankan batters after being put to field first. Sri Lanka managed to put up 344-9 at the scoreboard from 50 overs courtesy of a 122-run innings by Kusal Mendis and another ton by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who hit an 89-ball 108.
Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam continued their poor run of form in the tournament, scoring 12 and 10 respectively before they were dismissed.
Rizwan and Shafique then put up a match-winning 176-run partnership to steer Pakistan out of the woods. Shafique, who was brought in place of out-of-form opener Fakhar Zaman, scored 113 runs from 103 balls.
Rizwan bagged the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 131-run innings. The wicketkeeper batter was helped by Saud Shakeel (31 runs) and Iftikhar Ahmed (22 not out) as Pakistan chased the total down at the loss of only four wickets and with 10 balls to spare.
“Always proud when you perform like that,” Rizwan said at the post-match ceremony.
It was difficult and when you chase like that, it’s always special,” he added.
The Pakistani wicketkeeper said his team’s batters calculated their innings.
“I think Rizwan, the way he played, he built the partnership and put pressure on the Sri Lanka team,” Azam said. “We finished well with our fast bowlers.”
Pakistan next head to Ahmedabad where they win tournament hosts India for an electrifying clash that is expected to draw over 100,000 fans.
The 1992 World Cup winners have two wins from two matches in the World Cup so far. With their latest win against Sri Lanka, Pakistan extend their World Cup record against the island country by 8-0.
