Pakistan Win by 6 Wickets | Target 345 | RRR 6.90
It’s the 8th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket Worldcup 2023, where SL have put massive total up front. 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. And the biggest successful total chased down successfully at ICC CWC as Ireland stunning England with chasing 328 in ICC CWC11 in India. 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.
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. He tries to pull but miscues it and gets caught at fine leg.
The No. 1 ODI batter Babar Azam also goes for 10 off 15. He tries to find the boundary by flicking the ball but a small edge and the ball goes to the Samarawickrama’s gloves. Madushanka is the man with the ball to provide another blow for his team.
For the 3rd wicket partnership, Rizwan and Shafique put up a brilliant fight back. Both batters add 176-runs stand for the 3rd wicket and Abdullah shafique gets out when he cuts the ball to find a gap at point. The sub Madi Hemantha bags a stunner while flying towards his right. He goes after 113 off 103 with ten 4s and three 6s and Pathirana strikes.
95-runs stand is broken when Saud is caught at point on Teekshana’s 4th last delivery. Wellalage takes an easy catch to dismiss Shakeel and create another opportunity. Shakeel goes after scoring 31 off 30 and leaves 37 for Pakistan off 33.
SL miss the plot after setting a huge total up front but Pakistan chase down the highest total of the ICC CWC’s 48th-year history.
