Pakistan’s unforgettable World Cup chase in an ODI cricket match in 2023 was one of the most remarkable sporting events of the year. The match was played against Sri Lanka at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted a mammoth total of 344/9 on the board, thanks to centuries from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Pakistan got off to a shaky start in their chase, losing their top two batsmen early on. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique put on a brilliant 176-run partnership for the third wicket to keep Pakistan in the hunt.
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Shafique was dismissed for 107, but Rizwan continued to bat relentlessly and eventually reached his century. He was ably supported by Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed, who both made valuable contributions. Pakistan eventually reached the target with six wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare.
Rizwan’s unbeaten 131 off 121 balls was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s victory. He was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. The chase was also the highest successful run chase in the history of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan’s victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. They were never out of the game, even when they were chasing a daunting target. The win was also a huge boost for Pakistan’s morale, and it helped them to stay on track for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Here are some of the key factors that contributed to Pakistan’s unforgettable World Cup chase:
- Mohammad Rizwan’s superb century: Rizwan was the linchpin of Pakistan’s batting performance. He played a calm and composed innings, and he never gave up hope even when the chips were down.
- Abdullah Shafique’s valuable partnership with Rizwan: Shafique and Rizwan put on a brilliant 176-run partnership for the third wicket, which laid the foundation for Pakistan’s victory.
- Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed’s supporting roles: Shakeel and Ahmed both made valuable contributions in the middle order, and they helped to keep Pakistan on track for the target.
- Pakistan’s never-say-die attitude: Pakistan never gave up hope, even when they were chasing a daunting target. They showed great resilience and fighting spirit to pull off the victory.
Pakistan’s victory over Sri Lanka was one of the most memorable moments of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. It was a testament to the team’s talent, skill, and determination. The win also gave Pakistan a much-needed confidence boost, and it helped them to stay on track for a place in the semi-finals.