Iqbal Jamil
KARACHI: Pakistan achieved a milestone by scoring highest successful run chase of 345 runs in the 48 years of world cup history, beating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the 48.2 overs at Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad Deccan on Tuesday. Previous highest run chase in world cup history was 328 runs by Ireland against England.
Superb innings by Muhammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique paved the way for victory. After Pakistan list two wickets at score of 37 Rizwan an Shafique added 178 runs for the third wicket. Abdullah Shafique on his debut made 115 runs of 103 balls. He hit 10 fours and three sixes. Muhammad Rizwan, having cramps, scored 131 runs off 121 deliveries and remained unbeaten. Rizwan hit 8 fours and three sixes. Saud Shakeel contributed 31 runs while Iftikhar scored 22 runs. Madushanka took 2 wickets. Pakistan made 345 for the loss of 4 wickets.
Earlier batting first, after winning the toss Sri Lanka scored 344-9. Despite losing opener Kusal Perera early, Kusal Mendis, scored fastest world cup hundred by any Sri Lanka player, and Sadeera Samarawickrama played superb innings, both scoring their maiden world Cup centuries. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka scored 102 runs for the second wicket. Nissanka made 51 of 61 deliveries. Mendis was ruthless against the Pakistan bowlers, scored 122 runs of just 77 balls, hitting 24 fours and 6 sixes. He was dismissed by Hasan Ali, caught by Imam ul Haq. Mendis and Samarawickrama put 111 runs for the third wicket partnership.
Samarawickrama was out, caught by Muhammad Rizwan off Hasan Ali, after scoring his highest ODI score and third century in ODI’s.
He made108 off 89 balls, hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes. Hasan Ali took 4-71 while Haris Rauf claimed 2-64.