Pakistan triumphed with a second consecutive victory at the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in Hyderabad. Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique showcased their batting prowess, leading Pakistan to a historic win by successfully chasing down 345 runs, setting a new record for the highest-ever run chase in ODI World Cup history, surpassing Ireland’s previous record.
Facing early setbacks with the loss of top-order batsmen Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, Pakistan found hope through the remarkable partnership of Mohammad Rizwan and debutant Abdullah Shafique. Their outstanding 176-run collaboration turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor. Abdullah Shafique’s impressive performance saw him scoring 113 runs off 103 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes. Rizwan remained unbeaten, scoring 131 runs, marking Pakistan’s second-highest individual score in World Cup history, surpassing Ramiz Raja’s 119 against New Zealand in 1992.
This significant victory boosts Pakistan’s confidence as they prepare for the highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.
In the match, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 344 runs, the highest-ever score against Pakistan in World Cup history, led by Kusal Mendis, who scored 122 runs off 77 balls with 14 boundaries and six sixes, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who contributed 108 runs off 89 balls with 13 boundaries.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face India on October 14, while Sri Lanka will compete against Australia on October 16 in Lucknow.
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf