Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ICC CWC Match 8 Report: In the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, Pakistan clinched their second consecutive victory by making a remarkable chase of Sri Lanka’s 345-run target. This historic win goes down in the annals of the ODI Cricket World Cup as the highest successful chase ever recorded.
A Rocky Start
Resilient Rizwan hit the century despite the injury. Getty Images
Pakistan’s pursuit of the target got off to a rocky start when Imam-ul-Haq departed early, adding to their early woes. Even though Babar Azam briefly ignited the crowd with a boundary off his first ball, his departure came swiftly, as he nicked one down the leg side, leaving Pakistan with only 10 runs on the scoreboard at his exit. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan had mustered a modest 48 runs, and the focus shifted towards rebuilding the innings after these early setbacks.
Pakistan’s approach, marked by a cautious game plan, unintentionally increased the required run rate. However, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan showcased impressive composure by diligently rotating the strike while finding the occasional boundary. At the halfway point of the match, Pakistan needed to score 207 runs from 150 balls. It was at this juncture that the two batsmen decided to up the ante.
Matheesha Pathirana had a forgettable day and bore the brunt of their attack, with both batsmen hitting boundaries off his bowling. Shafique took on Dunith Wellalage, dispatching him for a four and a six, pushing Pakistan’s run rate beyond six for the first time in the chase.
Costly drop. Getty
RELATED ARTICLES:
Unwavering Determination of Rizwan
The turning point occurred during a crucial 19-run over from Dilshan Madushanka, in which Shafique achieved a well-deserved century. However, according to the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ICC CWC Match 8 Report, Shafique’s brilliant innings was cut short by a spectacular catch at backward point. From this juncture, it was all about Mohammad Rizwan’s exceptional performance. Despite grappling with cramps and occasionally struggling to stay on his feet, he displayed unwavering determination. A vital partnership with Saud Shakeel ensured that Pakistan took control of the chase. Although Shakeel departed after contributing 30 runs, Rizwan continued his heroic effort, reaching a remarkable century and guiding Pakistan to victory alongside Iftikhar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka had a Blazing Start
In the initial innings, Sri Lanka got off to a blazing start, in stark contrast to Pakistan’s early struggles. While they did lose Kusal Perera for a duck, Mendis and Pathum Nissanka propelled Sri Lanka forward with a flurry of boundaries. According to the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ICC CWC Match 8 Report, Mendis received a significant reprieve when he was on 18, and he capitalized on it. Both Mendis and Nissanka notched up their respective fifties in the same over. However, Shadab Khan managed to break this partnership by dismissing Nissanka.
Despite the wicket, Sri Lanka maintained their momentum as Mendis and Samarawickrama continued to pile on the runs. Mendis, in particular, capitalized on the Pakistan attack with an array of boundaries. Even the formidable Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf struggled to stem the flow of runs. After 25 overs, Sri Lanka had already amassed 181 runs and were poised to breach the 350-run mark.
Mendis then targeted Hasan Ali, launching a six to bring up a breathtaking century off just 65 balls. He went on to subject the same bowler to two more sixes before finally finding a fielder near the boundary in his attempt for a third successive six. Although Pakistan managed to dismiss Charith Asalanka quickly, Samarawickrama took charge and continued to excel. After 41 overs, Sri Lanka was strongly positioned at 294/4, and a total of 375 seemed within reach.
Getty
The Breakthroughs in the Death Overs
However, Pakistan staged a series of breakthroughs during the death overs. Mohammad Nawaz claimed his first wicket with the dismissal of Dhananjaya de Silva, while Shaheen Afridi removed the skipper, Dasun Shanaka. Samarawickrama managed to reach a century, a milestone he had not achieved before in his ODI career. However, his dismissal with two overs remaining marked a significant turning point, as Pakistan conceded a mere 9 runs from the final 12 deliveries. This disciplined effort at the end of the innings, limiting Sri Lanka to only 50 runs in the last nine overs, ultimately made the difference.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ICC CWC Match 8 Report: Score Summary
Sri Lanka
344/9 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 122, Sadeera Samarawickrama 108; Hasan Ali 4/71)
Pakistan
345/4 in 18.2 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 131*, Abdullah Shafique 113; Dilshan Madushanka 2/60)
Result: Pakistan won by six wickets.
Get ICC World Cup 2023 Live Score & ICC World Cup 2023 Team Squads along with ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
IceCric.News 