Sensational centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Muhammad Rizwan helped Pakistan pull off the biggest run chase in World Cup history, as they overhauled a target of 345 with 10 balls to spare, leaving Sri Lanka winless after their first two games. A dazzling 77-ball 122 from KusalMendis and SadeeraSamarawickrama’s accomplished 108 had given Sri Lanka an incredible platform, but they added only 115 in the final 20 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers rebounded after a ragged start. In the end, the 176-run partnership between Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 131 (121 balls) at the end, and Shafique was the difference, as was Sri Lanka’s horror tally of 25 wides.
When Pakistan’s batsmen took the field, the pressure mounted from the outset as they lost two early wickets. Both Imam-ul-Haqand Babar Azam, their captain and star batter, fell victim to Dilshan Madushanka’s intelligent left-arm pace bowling.
Shafique, selected in place of the out-of-form Fakhar Zaman, capitalised on the opportunity by crafting a magnificent 113 off just 103 balls. Shafique’s innings disrupted Sri Lankan bowlers as his sheer power and skill made the daunting total appear less imposing. His performance received stellar support from the animatedRizwan, who played a pivotal role in the run chase despite suffering badly from cramp as he neared three figures.
Rizwan continued to steer the ship after Abdullah Shafique’s dismissal in the 33rd over, rendering the Sri Lankan bowlers seemingly clueless on where to deliver on the slow wicket. It didn’t take long for Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, with a few late biffs, to guidePakistan to a fairly comfortable victory.
That had seemed improbably when Mendis was going berserk in the afternoon. After losing the early wicket of KusalPerera, Sri Lanka took firm control of the game. Pathum Nissanka, Mendis and Samarawickrama emerged as the heroes. Nissanka’s breezy 51 helped set the stage, while Mendis and Samarawickrama took the Pakistani pace battery to task. Mendis, in particular, displayed batting of the highest calibre, effortlessly toying with the Pakistani bowlers. His blazing century, from just 65 balls,was the fastest by a Sri Lankan in a World Cup, while Samarawickrama notched his maiden World Cup hundred to deflate Pakistan’s hopes.
But with Hasan Ali, who finished with 4 for 73, and Haris Rauf preventing a late run glut, the momentum appeared to shift even before the mid-match break. And though Madushanka took those early wickets, Rizwan and Shafique finished what the bowlers started.
This victory stands as one of Pakistan’s most remarkable chases in a World Cup game, infusing them with immense confidence as they prepare to face India this coming Saturday.
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Sensational centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Muhammad Rizwan helped Pakistan pull off the biggest run chase in World Cup history, as they overhauled a target of 345 with 10 balls…
The post Rizwan and Shafique Help Pakistan Pull off Record Chase of 345 appeared first on RevSportz | Latest Sports News.
