CWC 2023 [Twitter reactions]: Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan shine against Sri Lanka as Pakistan pull off highest run-chase in World Cup history

[Brexiter]

In a nail-biting encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan emerged victorious over Sri Lanka in the 8th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, setting a formidable target of 345 runs for Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s batsmen rose to the occasion, chasing down the target with six wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare

Mendis, Samarawickrama guide Sri Lanka to formidable total​

Sri Lanka got off to a mixed start with opener Kusal Perera departing without scoring any runs. However, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama steadied the ship with outstanding centuries. Mendis scored an explosive 122 runs off just 77 deliveries, featuring 14 fours and 6 sixes, while Samarawickrama contributed a brilliant 108 runs from 89 balls. These partnerships laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s challenging total.

In response, Pakistan’s bowlers put up a spirited performance, with Hasan Ali being the pick of the bunch, taking 4 crucial wickets for 71 runs. Despite the formidable total, Sri Lanka was unable to reach the 350-run mark.

Shafique, Rizwan take Pakistan over the finish line​

Pakistan’s innings featured a remarkable display of batting prowess, led by opener Abdullah Shafique‘s magnificent century. Shafique scored a composed 113 runs from 103 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Mohammad Rizwan also played a pivotal role, contributing an explosive 134 runs from 121 deliveries, featuring 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Also READ: CWC 2023 – Netizens spark meme fest as Pakistan captain Babar Azam exhibits flop show with the bat against Sri Lanka​

Sri Lanka’s bowlers tried their best to contain the Pakistani batsmen, with Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka picking up a wicket each. However, the Pakistani batsmen managed to chase down the target comfortably with Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed providing valuable support. In the end, Pakistan achieved a thrilling victory, chasing down Sri Lanka’s imposing total with 48.2 overs, securing a 6-wicket win.

Highest target successfully chased in World Cups:​

• 345 by Pakistab vs Sri Lanka, Hyderabad, 2023
• 328 by Ireland vs England, Bengaluru, 2011
• 322 by Bangladesh vs West Indies, Taunton, 2019
• 319 by Bangladesh vs Scotland, Nelson, 2015
• 313 by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, New Plymouth, 1992

Also READ: CWC 2023 – Here is why Sadeera Samarawickrama was keeping instead of Kusal Mendis in PAK vs SL clash​

Here is how Twitter reacted:​

WHAT A WIN

Batting of the highest order to pull off a stunning run chase #PAKvSL | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/ULVzA1VQhr

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2023

50 overs of keeping with brilliant from Rizwan. Best player of spin from team Pakistan doing it under pressure for them. #PAKvsSL

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 10, 2023

Great inning from rizwan .

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) October 10, 2023

Sri Lanka have only themselves to blame if they lose this. Too many freebies.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 10, 2023

Phenomenal run chase from Pakistan!!!

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 10, 2023

HISTORY IN WORLD CUP….!!!!

PAKISTAN CHASE DOWN HIGHEST TOTAL EVER IN 48 YEAR OLD WORLD CUP. pic.twitter.com/qmSAJWxyWO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 10, 2023

HISTORY CREATED BY PAKISTAN IN HYDERABAD…..!!!!

This is now the highest successful run chase in the 48 years of World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/p3jWyclftX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 10, 2023

Pakistan won by six wickets. #LankanLions #SLvPAK #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/Io5H0FZ4RL

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) October 10, 2023

Rizwan is the real match winner for Pakistan. Never gives up. Innovates. Backs his strength – the sweep shot.
What a set up now the #INDvPAK will be. #PAKvSL #ICCCricketWorldCup23

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 10, 2023

Abdullah the courageous in a WC debut. #PAKvSL

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 10, 2023

A resounding victory for Pakistan!! Just the confidence boost they needed! Those extra runs proved costly for Sti Lanka. #CWC23 #PAKvSL

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 10, 2023

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