PAK 348/4 (48.2 Overs) | Target 345 | Pakistan win by 6 wickets
It’s the 8th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket Worldcup 2023, where SL have put up a massive total for PAK to chase down under lights. SL skipper after electing to bat first post a massive total of 344 with Mendis and Sadeera scoring centuries for SL.
Pakistan have never chased a total of more than 265 in ICC CWC before. Therefore, it’s a big challenge for Pakistan to put up a mammonth show to bring this record chase in the ICC ODI Men’s CWC 2023. But Pakistan have an upper hand over Sl with 7/0 in ICC CWC till now.
Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq open the innings for Pakistan under lights to go after Theekshana and Madushanka. The change doesn’t work for Pakistan and Imam goes for 12 off 12. The No. 1 ODI batter Babar Azam also goes for 10 off 15. Madushanka is the man with the ball to provide another blow for his team. Pakistan get 48 on the board after the 1st power play for the loss of 2 crucial wickets. They need 297 in next 40 at 7.43 with 8 wickets in hand.
Pakistan build a steady partnership for the second wicket as Abdullah Shafique and Muhammad Rizwan take the scorecard to 110 at the end of 20. Pakistan add 62 from 11-20 without losing any wickets. Shafique makes his 50 off 58 striking at 86.20 with four 4s and one 6.
Suddenly the pitch seems too easy to bat on as Rizwan raises his bat for 58 ball fifty. It’s his 4th in last 5 matches and 2nd of the ICC CWC23. The 3rd wicket stand gets some pace during 21-30 as Pakistan add 62 with 6.2 without giving away any wicket. Pakistan need another 163 at 8.15.
Abdullah Shafique who has been brought in place of Fakhar has proved his inclusion in the playiing XI. The only change today in PCT is proving in his own way. Shafique makes his maiden WC century on his Debut. He brings up his ton off 97 balls striking at 106.19. His century includes 8 4s and three 6s. Pathirana comes into play and removes the 1st Pakistani centurion in CWC23. Shafique looks threatening but unlucky as the point fielder takes a blinder to dismiss him on 113.
Saud Shakeel comes to the middle with resuming the record chase for Pakistan. Screaming and cramping rizwan carries his batting despite the severe pain. Pakistan go past 271 after 40 as they manage 89 runs for the loss of 1 wicket from 31-40. They need 74 more in the last ten to register their second win of the ICC CWC 2023 with couple of records making and breaking.
It’s hundred up for wicketkeeper batter Muhammad Rizwan. His century comes in just 97 balls with seven 4s and two 6s. It’s his 3rd hundred in ODIs and 1st in the ICC CWC. 300 up for Pakistan as in the 44th of the 2nd innings of 8th match of ICC CWC 23. 95-runs stand is broken when Saud is caught at point on Teekshana’s 4th last delivery. Shakeel goes after scoring 31 off 30 and leaves 37 for Pakistan off 33.
None has ever chased down a total more than 328 in ICC CWC. But Pakistan has done it and achieved this feat against SL today. They have taken down SL at Hyderabad in the 49th over of the innings. Pakistan register one more victory against SL and now they have won 8 out of 8 against them in ICC CWC. More over it’s Pakistan 2nd highest chase ever in ODIs. The team whose highest ODI WC chase was 265 and this time they register highest WC chase in 48 years of World cup history.
Pakistan win by 6 wickets with 10 balls to spare. Muhammad Rizwan’s 130 not out takes him to the top of the run-scorer of the tournament. He joins Kushal Mendis with 198 at the top. 2nd win in this ICC CWC23 and they have announced their arrival in India.
