World Cup Records Shattered as Pakistan Stuns Sri Lanka with Six-Wicket Win
Pakistan staged a historic comeback, chasing down 345 against Sri Lanka, setting the World Cup’s highest successful run chase record. Four centuries were scored in the same game, with Rizwan’s unbeaten 131 leading the charge.
In a thrilling cricket match that will go down in history, Pakistan achieved a sensational victory over Sri Lanka by successfully chasing down a massive target of 345 runs. The game, held in Hyderabad, witnessed several records tumble as Pakistan secured their second win in the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets.
Pakistan’s remarkable chase marked the highest successful run chase in World Cup history, as they managed to mow down 345 runs, thanks to exceptional performances by Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan. This epic encounter also saw four centuries scored in the same game, a historic first in the World Cup.
Despite Pakistan’s initial struggles during the chase, losing Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam early in their innings, they remained focused on rebuilding. Their low-risk approach to rebuilding, however, increased the asking rate. But Shafique and Rizwan refused to buckle under pressure and began to accelerate their innings.
At the halfway point, with Pakistan needing 207 runs from 150 balls, the duo decided to step up their game. Shafique took on Matheesha Pathirana, hitting boundaries, and propelling their run rate past six for the first time in the chase. A crucial 19-run over from Dilshan Madushanka, which saw Shafique reach his century, shifted the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favor.
Despite a stunning catch ending Shafique’s brilliant innings, Rizwan battled cramps and continued to lead the charge. He formed a crucial partnership with Saud Shakeel, who contributed 30 runs before departing. Rizwan, refusing to give up, powered through his own century, ultimately leading Pakistan to a remarkable victory alongside Iftikhar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka, earlier in the day, made an explosive start to their innings, with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka providing a flurry of boundaries. Mendis, who survived an early scare when batting on 18, capitalized on the opportunity. Both Mendis and Nissanka reached their fifties in the same over, with Shadab Khan providing a breakthrough by dismissing Nissanka.
Despite losing wickets, Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama kept the momentum going. Mendis, in particular, thrashed the Pakistani bowlers with an array of boundaries and a spectacular century off just 65 balls. Pakistan managed to break the partnership by removing Charith Asalanka, but Samarawickrama continued to dominate.
Sri Lanka seemed poised to exceed 350 runs, reaching 294/4 after 41 overs. However, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback by taking wickets at regular intervals towards the end. Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi made crucial breakthroughs, and despite Samarawickrama’s maiden ODI century, his dismissal with two overs left marked a turning point.
Pakistan’s disciplined performance during the death overs, where they conceded only 9 runs off the final 12 balls, ultimately made the difference in this thrilling contest.
In the end, Sri Lanka posted a total of 344/9 in their 50 overs, with Kusal Mendis scoring 122 and Sadeera Samarawickrama contributing 108. Hasan Ali led Pakistan’s bowling attack with figures of 4/71. Pakistan chased down the target of 345, ending at 345/4 in 18.2 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan top-scoring with an unbeaten 131 and Abdullah Shafique making 113. Dilshan Madushanka claimed 2/60 for Sri Lanka.
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