Cricket enthusiasts around the world witnessed history being made at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 as Pakistan pulled off a stunning victory against Sri Lanka in a record-breaking chase. The match, played in Hyderabad, will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating contests in World Cup history, featuring four centuries in a single game. Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique emerged as the heroes of the day, guiding Pakistan to an extraordinary win. In this blog, we’ll delve into the thrilling details of this epic encounter that showcased the essence of cricket at its finest.
Setting the Stage
The clash began with Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka winning the toss and electing to bat first, a decision that set the stage for a high-scoring encounter. Sri Lanka was off to a sensational start with Kusal Mendis, their big-hitting No.3, slamming a majestic century. His audacious strokeplay left Pakistan’s bowlers searching for answers as he powered his side to a phenomenal start in the innings.
Sadeera Samarawickrama joined Mendis in the middle, and together they built a formidable total of 344/9. Samarawickrama, not to be outdone by Mendis, stroked an excellent hundred of his own, departing for 108 from 89 balls. The Sri Lankan innings, however, began in a troubling fashion as Kusal Perera was dismissed without troubling the scoreboard, courtesy of excellent bowling from Hasan Ali.
Mendis’s Blazing Innings
Despite losing Perera early, Mendis blunted the Pakistani threat, smashing 20 boundaries, including six maximums, in his sensational 77-ball 122. His brilliant innings put Sri Lanka firmly on course for a big total. At the other end, Pathum Nissanka contributed a well-played 51, forming a valuable partnership with Mendis before Samarawickrama joined him in the middle.
As Hasan Ali returned to the attack, he picked up the crucial wicket of Mendis and Charith Asalanka in quick succession, exposing Sri Lanka’s lower to middle order. Despite these setbacks, Samarawickrama stood tall, guiding his team beyond the 300-run mark. It was clear that Sri Lanka aimed to finish big and set Pakistan’s battling line-up a challenging target.
Samarawickrama’s Superb Century
Sadeera Samarawickrama reached his century as Sri Lanka pushed in the death overs, further solidifying his team’s position. However, his quest for more runs saw him fall victim to Hasan Ali, who claimed his fourth wicket. Samarawickrama attempted a reverse pull to find a gap in the outfield, only to be caught out. Hasan Ali finished with figures of 4/71, and Pakistan managed to keep the scoring in check late in the innings as wickets fell at regular intervals.
With Sri Lanka posting a substantial total of 344/9, Pakistan faced a formidable challenge in their pursuit of victory. The target was set, and the stage was now set for one of the most memorable chases in World Cup history.
Pakistan’s Daunting Chase
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disappointing start as both Imam-ul-Haq (1) and their captain, Babar Azam (10), were dismissed in a sluggish first powerplay. Dilshan Madushanka was the tormentor-in-chief, taking both early wickets for Sri Lanka. At this point, it seemed as though Pakistan was in trouble, with the scoreboard reading just 37/2.
However, the course of the match was about to change dramatically as Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan joined forces. Together, they set the platform for a remarkable comeback with a partnership worth 176 for the third wicket. Shafique, playing in his debut World Cup, reached triple figures for the first time in his fledgling ODI career with a series of boundary-laden shots. His 103-ball 113 was a testament to his composure under pressure and his ability to find the boundary when it mattered the most.
A Record-Breaking Chase
This historic match marked the first time in men’s Cricket World Cup history that four centuries were scored in a single game. It was a breathtaking spectacle of batting prowess, and the excitement was palpable. Pakistan’s men had previously chased a score in excess of 340 only once in their ODI history, with their highest World Cup chase standing at 263. To secure victory, they needed a record-breaking effort, and that’s precisely what Rizwan and Shafique delivered.
Rizwan, who battled cramps during his brilliant innings, played a knock for the ages. He guided Pakistan to the highest-ever chase in World Cup history, finishing unbeaten on 131* from 121 balls. It was fitting that the wicketkeeper struck the winning runs, capping off an extraordinary performance that will be etched in the annals of cricket history.
Conclusion
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed a match for the ages, as Pakistan scripted an incredible victory against Sri Lanka in a record-breaking chase. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s brilliant centuries set the stage for a high-scoring thriller, but it was Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique who stole the show with their historic partnership. This match will be remembered not only for its breathtaking batting display but also as a testament to the spirit of cricket, where the pursuit of excellence and the determination to chase down improbable targets prevail. Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament continues, leaving cricket fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this gripping World Cup journey.