INDIA: In a thrilling match at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan emerged victorious over Sri Lanka, securing a 6-wicket win. Pakistan’s unbeaten streak against Sri Lanka in World Cups has remained intact, increasing to an incredible 8-0.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to commence the game with their innings, opting to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start as they lost Kusal Perera early but later on Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka settled the innings.
Mendis, who was given a few reprieves, produced a scorching century in just 65 balls, breaking the previous record for Sri Lankan batters in World Cup history. Although Sadeera Samarawickrama’s graceful century may have been overshadowed by Mendis, it was his first ODI century and added to Sri Lanka’s imposing total.
With Sri Lanka compiling a daunting total of 344 runs on a field that was favourable to batsmen, mostly thanks to the hundreds of Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, the stage was set for an exciting game.
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali was again a thick of the bowlers scalping four wickets, Haris Rauf bagged two, and Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan took 1 wicket each.
Due to the unrelenting bowling of Dilshan Madushanka, Pakistan experienced early trouble and lost two crucial wickets during the powerplay. Nevertheless, Pakistan showed unflinching fortitude and launched a valiant comeback, ultimately securing a remarkable triumph.
The Sri Lankan team was in total control of the situation and maintained their bowling close to the plate, denying the batters much room. Babar Azam got out early in the game, and Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan carried the game forward.
The triumph over Sri Lanka was led by Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique, and this was the biggest run chase in ICC World Cup history. For Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant innings of 131 runs off of 121 balls, he was named Player of the Match.
As for Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madhushanka took two important wickets of the Pakistani Captain and opener Imam-ul-Haq, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana took one wicket each but could not stop Pakistan from reaching the target with 10 balls to spare.
This thrilling match perfectly epitomised the sport of cricket—a display of talent, tenacity, and unshakable perseverance on both sides.
Also Read: England Roars Back to Form with Convincing Victory over Bangladesh in ICC World Cup 2023
