SL Chose to Bat
SL 344/9 in 50 | Hassan 71/4
It’s the double-header today where BAN are taking on ENG at Dharamsala and PAK are facing SL in the 2nd match at Hyderabad on the 6th day of the ICC Men’s Cricket Worldcup 2023, India. PAK have already taken down Dutch at the same venue a couple of days ago in their opening match of CWC23. Whereas, SL are coming from a demoralised loss at the hands of South Africa where Proteas put highest WC total.
Earlier in the game, Dasun Shanaka, opts to bat first against and eyeing at setting huge total up front for Pakistan. On the other hand, it’s a challenge for Pakistani bowlers to restrict SL under 300 too with their hard-hitting batting order.
Pathum Nisanka and Kusal Parera open the innings for SL. While, Shaheen and Hassan will try taking down the Sri Lankan openers. Hassan strikes early in this ICC CWC match 8 at Hyderabad. Hassan Ali gets some extra bounce that helps edging the ball to Rizwan behind the stumps.
Nissanka and Mendis stand tall for their 2nd wicket partnership. During the first power play SL post 58 for 1 with nine 4s and two 6s. Nissanka-Mendis looking solid when Shadab provides a crucial breakthrough. The 102-runs stand is broken with Nissanka returns to the pavilion after scoring 51 off 61 in the 18th over. Two-down Samarawickrama comes to the crease when SL are 107 for 2 in 17.2.
111-runs stand for the thrid wickets is broken by Hasan Ali who decieves Mendis with his slower delivery. Imam ul Haq at deep midwicket bags a sky high. Mendis’ 122 off 77 includes fourteen 4s and six 6s. SL are 218 for 3 at the end of 29.
Hassan Ali strikes again asthe new man at crease Asalanka goes for just 1 off 3. Hassan takes his 3 as thick edge to Rizwan’s gloves sends left-haded batter back to the dugout.
The final power play 41-50 begins with Nawaz picking his first of the evening. D de Silva dances down the track and heaps the ball over long-off where Afridi pockets it with ease. He goes for 25 off 34 and SL are 294 for 5 in 41.1.
Shaheen strikes in his 8th over as the skipper tries to hit over the long-off but miss hit lands into Babar’s hand. Shaheen takes wicket in consecutive 18 matches which is a record for Pakistan.
Hassan Ali picks his 4th of the evening and removes Centurion Samarawickrama who tries a reverse but edges to Rizwan behid the stumps. Haris’ lethal pace comes into play against the tailenders. He gives away only one in his final over and bags 2 wickets and restricts SL to 344.
