Pakistan clinches historic victory against Sri Lanka in ICC World Cup 2023

Hyderabad: Pakistan continued their exceptional form, securing a historic victory against Sri Lanka in the eighth match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India on Tuesday.

While chasing a target of 345 runs, Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing their top-order batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, in just 7.1 overs, leaving them at 37-2. However, the game-changing partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and World Cup debutant Abdullah Shafique turned the tide in favor of the struggling Pakistani side.

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

The 176-run partnership between the two batsmen provided Pakistan with a much-needed breakthrough and positioned them dominantly once again.

Abdullah Shafique returned to the pavilion after scoring an impressive 113 off 103 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes. On the other hand, Rizwan remained unbeaten until the end, guiding his team to victory with a brilliant 131 runs — Pakistan's second-highest individual score in the World Cup, surpassing Ramiz Raja's 119 against New Zealand in 1992.

This remarkable win is a significant confidence boost for Pakistan as they prepare for the highly-anticipated match against arch-rivals India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.

In their innings, Sri Lanka put up an impressive batting display, with Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama leading the way to a massive total of 344 runs. This score marked the highest-ever total against Pakistan in a World Cup match, surpassing India's 336 in the 2019 World Cup in Manchester, England.

Mendis played a brilliant knock, scoring 122 runs off just 77 deliveries at a remarkable strike rate of 158.44, including 14 boundaries and six sixes. Meanwhile, Samarawickrama continued the momentum, reaching his century with 108 runs in 89 balls, featuring 13 boundaries.

Pakistan is now set to face India on October 14, while Sri Lanka will take on Australia on October 16 in Lucknow.