Pakistan Achieves Record Run Chase, Defeats Sri Lanka in Thrilling ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Match

Varad Bhatkhande

Hyderabad, 10th October 2023 – In a nail-biting encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan created history by executing the most successful run chase in ICC ODI World Cup history. Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s formidable target of 345 runs, securing a remarkable victory with six wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare. This thrilling clash followed England’s resounding win over Bangladesh earlier in the day, where England emerged victorious by a margin of 137 runs.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for an exciting contest. The match began with a setback for the Sri Lankan team as opener Kusal Perera was dismissed without contributing any runs. However, Pathum Nisanka steadied the ship with a composed 51 runs from 61 balls before Abdullah Shafique’s catch off Shadab Khan’s delivery ended his innings. Kusal Mendis was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, amassing an impressive 122 runs from just 77 balls before being dismissed by Hassan Ali.

Sadeera Samarawickrama reached a century, scoring 108 runs from 89 balls before Muhammad Rizwan secured his wicket with a delivery from Hasan Ali. Dhananjaya De Silva, Captain Dasun Shanaka, and Dunith Wellalage made small contributions, allowing Sri Lanka to post a challenging total of 344 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Hassan Ali emerged as the star performer for Pakistan in the bowling department, claiming 4 crucial wickets in his 10 overs, albeit conceding 71 runs. Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan all took one wicket each, while Haris Rauf got 2 wickets.

Chasing a formidable target, Pakistan’s opening batsman Imam ul Haq struggled to make an impact. However, Abdullah Shafique played a magnificent innings, scoring 113 runs from 103 balls before being caught by substitute fielder Dushan Hemantha off Matheesha Pathirana’s delivery. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, faced difficulties in finding form and departed without making a substantial contribution.

But the hero of the day for Pakistan was Mohammad Rizwan, who played a sensational knock, amassing 134 runs from 120 balls. Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed made valuable contributions to ensure Pakistan’s successful run chase, ultimately securing a remarkable six-wicket victory.

In the bowling department for Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka took 2 wickets, while Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana claimed 1 wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan maintains a perfect record, having won both of their matches in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. In contrast, Sri Lanka has faced two defeats in their World Cup campaign.

Looking ahead, the tournament promises more exciting clashes, with the host nation India set to face Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi tomorrow. A highly anticipated fixture awaits as Pakistan gears up for a showdown against arch-rivals India in Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in their next match on 14th October. Cricket enthusiasts around the world can expect electrifying contests in the days to come