ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan (345/4) complete the highest run-chase in World Cup history to defeat Sri Lanka (344/9) by 6 wickets

[Yati]

Need to drop Imam ul Haq and take a gamble with someone else opening i.e. Mohd Nawaz (give him a pinch hitting role), or Agha Salman (so that we get his off spin as well). This will allow us to bring Usama Mir into the team who apart from his leg spin is also a hard striker of the ball down the order.

Babar might need to think about Opening himself with Abdullah Shafique. Then you can bring saud at #3, Fakhar can come into the team and bat at #5 or #6. depending on the situation.

 

[Major]

@Rana where are you hiding. Let me guess waiting for Pakistan to lose a game and than say Rizwan got his 100 against a weak bowling side

Btw Misbah had predicted Rizwan to be the MVP of tonights match

 

[mesmerizer85]

Batting looks more stronger than bowling (unexpected of PCT)...Also, Hasan performed better than our main stars Shaheen, Haris, Shadab...

 

[King_Babar]

What a convincing victory! Much needed. Thanks to Hyderabad crowd, they have been superb

 

[heddie19]

If this wasn’t the perfect advert as to why Rizwan should be captain I don’t know what is.

Apart from his performances , we need a cheeky smart leader who can really bite into the opposition not mr nice Babar just smiling and doing with the flow.

It might even help with Babars batting

I would trade Babar's runs with his captaincy.
I am sure he would do the same.

 

[Third Man]

yep let's enjoy this win today, and come back tomorrow to work on deficiencies, SL did drop some dollies as well, strong team may not give those chances.

More than the dollies. They gave quite a few extra runs, especially Pathirana. Must've been at least 20 wides.

 

[NeVerMind]

If this wasn’t the perfect advert as to why Rizwan should be captain I don’t know what is.

Apart from his performances , we need a cheeky smart leader who can really bite into the opposition not mr nice Babar just smiling and doing with the flow.

It might even help with Babars batting

Been saying it from the beginning....Riz need to be Kuptaan...Babar to just concentrate on his batting

 

[NeVerMind]

The MoM and the Oscar goes to...Mo Riz...he can bat and he can act!

 

[Nado_]

Yes they dropped some dollies but game was in our favour with wickets in hand . The bowling however is a huge concern, surely Shadab needs to be dropped now and does anyone know if Shaheen is injured.

 

[hassan918]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1711790151221854446

 

[Savak]

Babar might need to think about Opening himself with Abdullah Shafique. Then you can bring saud at #3, Fakhar can come into the team and bat at #5 or #6. depending on the situation.

Fakhar does not deserve to be selected in the team as of now. I am pretty sure the team management saw him in the dressing room and in the nets that the guy is seriously not up to it at this point and decided to take the decision to drop him.

 

[Leeon1994]

Now imagine if Fakhar was playing instead of Abdullah Shafique

 

[Aseem_Khan]

Gill Has 172 strike rate and over 100+ Average in Ahmedabad But he isn't going to play against Pakistan on 14 th ,Lucky escape for Paksitan else he would have scored 200 against this attack.

@Major

i don't have other account but I used to explore threads later in night and I have seen your posts so have idea and I am from india earlier I was just observer

 

[hassan918]

Pakistan pull off biggest World Cup chase as Rizwan inspires victory​

Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique scored superb centuries to inspire Pakistan to the biggest-ever successful chase in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup history to beat Sri Lanka in a superb game in Hyderabad.

Sri Lanka, sparked by a brilliant Kusal Mendis hundred and anchored by Sadeera Samarawickrama’s century, reached a big total of 344/9 in their first innings.

And the Lankans looked to have Pakistan in trouble when Babar Azam departed in the eighth over of the reply with the score at just 37/2.

But Shafique and Rizwan set the platform with a partnership worth 176 for the third wicket, and wrapped up their superb six-wicket win with 10 balls to spare.

This was the first time in men’s Cricket World Cup history that four centuries have been hit in the same match, with Pakistan coming out on top in a high-scoring thriller.Pakistan’s chase got off to a disappointing start, with both Imam-ul-Haq (1) and Babar (10) dismissed in a sluggish first powerplay, with Dilshan Madushanka taking both wickets.

But Pakistan steadied the ship and built a platform, with Shafique reaching triple figures for the first time in his fledgling ODI career with a bludgeoned four through the leg side – one of 13 times in his 103-ball 113 that the 23-year-old found the boundary.

Pakistan’s men had only once chased a score in excess of 340 in their ODI history, while their previous highest World Cup chase was 263, so they required a record effort to make it two wins from two at the tournament.

But Rizwan, who collapsed with cramp at one stage during his brilliant innings, steered Pakistan to the highest-ever chase in the tournament’s history.

It was the wicketkeeper who fittingly struck the winning runs to finish on 131* from 121 balls.

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss, elected to bat first, and saw his team score the most runs Pakistan have ever conceded in a ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match.

Kusal Mendis was the star of the show for Sri Lanka for the second successive game, with the big-hitting No.3 slamming a majestic century to get his side off to a phenomenal start to the innings.

And Sadeera Samarawickrama helped build a formidable total of 344/9 as he stroked an excellent hundred of his own, departing for 108 from 89 balls.

The innings had begun in troubling fashion for Sri Lanka as they lost Kusal Perera without troubling the scoreboard – the second duck for a Lankan opener at the tournament already.

It was excellent bowling from Hasan Ali to take the wicket, with Pakistan’s opening bowlers looking dangerous on the Hyderabad wicket.

But Mendis blunted the Pakistani threat, smashing 20 boundaries including six maximums in his sensational 77-ball 122 to put his side on course for a big total.

Pathum Nissanka (51) batted well at the other end, before Samarawickrama joined Mendis out in the middle.

And it was Samarawickrama who steadied the ship as Hasan returned to pick up the key wicket of Mendis and Charith Asalanka (1) in his next over to expose Sri Lanka’s lower to middle order.

With Samarawickrama helping take his side beyond a score of 300, Sri Lanka were looking to finish big and set Pakistan’s battling line-up a big challenge.

Samarawickrama reached his century as Sri Lanka pushed in the death overs, but became Hasan's fourth wicket as he looked to play a reverse pull to find a gap in the outfield.

Hasan finished with figures of 4/71, and Pakistan did well to keep the scoring in check late on as wickets fell at useful and regular intervals – an effort that proved pivotal at the back-end of the chase.

To lose in such a manner will be a crushing blow to a Sri Lankan side who suffered a first-up defeat at the hands of South Africa.

Pakistan remain unbeaten at the Cricket World Cup, with this extraordinary victory following their impressive win first-up against the Netherlands.

Pakistan pull off biggest World Cup chase as Rizwan inspires victory

Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique scored superb centuries to inspire Pakistan to the biggest-ever successful chase in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup history to beat Sri Lanka in a superb game in Hyderabad.

www.cricketworldcup.com

 

[brokenrecord]

yes, there was a fair bit of help from the Sri Lankans in the field and with the extras. But Pakistan had to be in a position to capitalize. Wouldn't have gotten there if we were 80 for 5 in 20 overs, no matter how bad the fielding or the bowling. This is a special win. We haven't seen such nerveless, sensible batting from Pakistan in the past few decades as we do from this team.

 

[Mahee]

scary situation for team india...it's not looking good.

 

[shah9425]

Rizzi you are love

 

[Yati]

Fakhar does not deserve to be selected in the team as of now. I am pretty sure the team management saw him in the dressing room and in the nets that the guy is seriously not up to it at this point and decided to take the decision to drop him.

They might have to make a decision if Imam fails again. we don't have anyone else with opening experience in ODI cricket apart from Rizwan I think and we definitely can't move him.

 

[deltexas]

Credit is where it is due. Very clinical run chase by Pak. Riz and Shafiq played very well. SL bowling was wayward even though they had a big total. Now Ind vs Pak will be a blockbluster clash!!

 

[Syed1]

They might have to make a decision if Imam fails again. we don't have anyone else with opening experience in ODI cricket apart from Rizwan I think and we definitely can't move him.

I'm willing to bet a sizeable sum that Imam will fail against India. He has never performed in a pressure match. Bring some minnow and he will smash a ton.

 

[hafizexpress]

@Rana where are you hiding. Let me guess waiting for Pakistan to lose a game and than say Rizwan got his 100 against a weak bowling side

Btw Misbah had predicted Rizwan to be the MVP of tonights match

Thinking of another excuse to downplay Rizwan. At some point, one just has to give credit to excellence regardless of how much bias or hate there is

 

[Rana]

Maybe accept that rizwan played a gem here?

What do you want me to do? Fly to India and give him a garland of roses?

 

[kingusama92]

This is a classic Pakistan win in a big tournament. I can easily see them carrying this momentum through the rest of the group stage.

 

[Rana]

Damn boy I feel like supporting Pakistan one more time baby!

 

[Rana]

@Rana where are you hiding. Let me guess waiting for Pakistan to lose a game and than say Rizwan got his 100 against a weak bowling side

Btw Misbah had predicted Rizwan to be the MVP of tonights match

Of course Misbah knows the caliber of his players and who they can perform against

 

[daytrader]

Damn boy I feel like supporting Pakistan one more time baby!

Train is boarding bro, it's not too late

 

[mesmerizer85]

This is our "Unpredictable" Pakistan Cricket Team

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Need to drop Imam ul Haq and take a gamble with someone else opening i.e. Mohd Nawaz (give him a pinch hitting role), or Agha Salman (so that we get his off spin as well). This will allow us to bring Usama Mir into the team who apart from his leg spin is also a hard striker of the ball down the order.

Imam would have realised that his spot in the team is in danger after todays game and will step up in the next game.

He is been bad since Inzi came in as chief selector, a laid back and lazy approach will be put to bed. im sure he will score runs against India next match

 

[Sherazkhalid]

Imam would have realised that his spot in the team is in danger after todays game and will step up in the next game.

He is been bad since Inzi came in as chief selector, a laid back and lazy approach will be put to bed. im sure he will score runs against India next match

Against Bumrah, I doubt it. India pretty much has no weakness at the moment, someone has to really play out of their skin to beat them, though complacency can be an issue for them.

 

[batandballbattle]

Feels good that shafique, a player I have backed has proven me right that we should have permadropped fakhar a few games back
And as usual rizzu closing mouths of all the doubters. Saudi bhai even had a handy cameo towards the end
Bowling issues need ironing out big time but there are a lot of positives here

 

[jnaveen1980]

Good chase. SL with their early 20 year old bowlers with limited experience had no answers to clinical chase. Seems like they were rattled second time in a row.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Myths broken today :-
1. Pakistan can't chase big scores
2. Pakistan can't win when 2/3 top order fails
3. Pakistan can't win when Babar Azam doesn't score
4. Pakistan can't play modern cricket
5. Pakistan's bowling is the best in the world

They always had the team to play well and compete just don’t select them at all.

Saud in and the middle order is stabilised , the 95 run partnership today for the 4th wicket was so crucial towards finishing the game.

That’s where Pak used to struggle to finish games. His run a ball 30 with Rizwan made sure chase is not derailed.

Usama Mir should be the next to plug in and play.

 

[AZulfi]

Babar might need to think about Opening himself with Abdullah Shafique. Then you can bring saud at #3, Fakhar can come into the team and bat at #5 or #6. depending on the situation.

 

[Rana]

Train is boarding bro, it's not too late

Train departs, stops and boards for when I say so

 

[Suleiman]

@Rana you good bro? Don’t worry it might just be a fever dream.

Rizwan’s greatest inning so far in LOI.

I still fear for our bowling attack. Conceding almost 350 Vs a side like SL is crazy. What will Eng, NZ, Aus and India do.

But what a batting performance.

 

[FreakCricket]

Abdullah is no one in front of Babar to be honest.

He just won you a game, he is everything currently.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Against Bumrah, I doubt it. India pretty much has no weakness at the moment, someone has to really play out of their skin to beat them, though complacency can be an issue for them.

Loss of Gill at the last minute set them back. If it happened earlier Jaiswal could have walked in

 

[Rana]

@Rana you good bro? Don’t worry it might just be a fever dream.

Rizwan’s greatest inning so far in LOI.

I still fear for our bowling attack. Conceding almost 350 Vs a side like SL is crazy. What will Eng, NZ, Aus and India do.

But what a batting performance.

It’s a war

Not a battle

 

[Suleiman]

It’s a war

Not a battle

you gotta win the battles to win the war.

 

[AZulfi]

still think must find a way to include Fakhar since he is an impact player and can win you a game by himself. I know he’s out of form but so is Imam. Imam got out in exactly the same fashion today.

Perhaps open with Abdullah and Babar and bat Fakhar at 5 after Rizwan and Saud. Then iftikhar at 6.

 

[Rana]

you gotta win the battles to win the war.

And so I will

Regardless. I said well played

 

[Aseem_Khan]

Earlier All Sena countries and India must be thinking that chasing 350 can be daunting task but seeing now pakistan chasing it ,They will back themselves now to chase even 400 Though they may get succeed or maynot.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

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[Usman Chadda]

Earlier All Sena countries and India must be thinking that chasing 350 can be daunting task but seeing now pakistan chasing it ,They will back themselves now to chase even 400 Though they may get succeed or maynot.

For all the talk about India chasing 350+ totals down, when have they done that recently?

 

[Major]

Earlier All Sena countries and India must be thinking that chasing 350 can be daunting task but seeing now pakistan chasing it ,They will back themselves now to chase even 400 Though they may get succeed or maynot.

when other SENA countries and India do that lets us know

 

[cricketAXEpert]

LoL, was reading all the comments at the start of the thread. So little confidence we have in our players. This was a 350 + wicket, it wans't an impossible score to get . Sadly too many posters were bashing Abdullah Shafiq (a player who has done nothing wrong). We have an obsession with MASALA T20 players and number of 6s. 1000 power play balls with no sixes being hit was the stat that was being wagged around like hitting 6s is the only way to score. We were the no 1 ODI side a few weeks ago, no one remembered that (maybe 1 or 2 posters). Babar will come back in form. We have a much tougher match next up. so Good Luck Pakistan

 

[Major]

LoL, was reading all the comments at the start of the thread. So little confidence we have in our players. This was a 350 + wicket, it wans't an impossible score to get . Sadly too many posters were bashing Abdullah Shafiq (a player who has done nothing wrong). We have an obsession with MASALA T20 players and number of 6s. 1000 power play balls with no sixes being hit was the stat that was being wagged around like hitting 6s is the only way to score. We were the no 1 ODI side a few weeks ago, no one remembered that (maybe 1 or 2 posters). Babar will come back in form. We have a much tougher match next up. so Good Luck Pakistan

Yes the likes of syed1 were bashing Abdullah and Rizwan that they are batting slow lol.

 

[mominsaigol]

I don’t get it. I respond to your constant nagging of me and then you say I am crying?

What do you want me to say?

Unlike some other posters who relish in attacking, I respect you and your opinions alot, because I still firmly believe you were 100% right about pakistan when it comes to player politics.

I wanna ask, you think rizwan's innings was good today? Or do you think it's still nepotism rooted in evil nature?

Just curious. BTW I don't think rizzu is better then Butler or anything nor do I think he's the best keeper.

I just think today was a clutch performance and one of the greatest I've seen.

It's kinda hard to hate someone when they actually redeemed themselves, his match losing innings in Asia cup final isn't forgotten but this is a redemption.

Sarfraz has bad moments but also has redemption arcs just saying.

 

[pakistani pride]

LoL, was reading all the comments at the start of the thread. So little confidence we have in our players. This was a 350 + wicket, it wans't an impossible score to get . Sadly too many posters were bashing Abdullah Shafiq (a player who has done nothing wrong). We have an obsession with MASALA T20 players and number of 6s. 1000 power play balls with no sixes being hit was the stat that was being wagged around like hitting 6s is the only way to score. We were the no 1 ODI side a few weeks ago, no one remembered that (maybe 1 or 2 posters). Babar will come back in form. We have a much tougher match next up. so Good Luck Pakistan

Number 1 ranking means Jack. For many teams ICC tournaments matter. This was a very good win, but still work to do. Fielding below par, bowling in the 1st half was timid. I hope they have the guts to drop Imam and Shadab. Cant play them vs India.

 

[nish_mate]

Congrats Pakistan and Pakistani PPers, that was an excellent chase and brilliant innings by Abdullah & Rizwan.

 

[Sherazkhalid]

Number 1 ranking means Jack. For many teams ICC tournaments matter. This was a very good win, but still work to do. Fielding below par, bowling in the 1st half was timid. I hope they have the guts to drop Imam and Shadab. Cant play them vs India.

Yes let's savour this win, but no way work is done, can't stay in the shadow of this win for next year, need to bring consistency to the team, shouldn't be I won one game for the team, now I am good for one year without any performance.

 

[Captain]

Can someone please tell me if I'm missing something, why was the last boundary by Rizwan just given as one run only ?

 

[Savak]

Btw full credit to our bowlers to restrict Sri Lanka to 344 after the Sri Lankas had reached 214 in 28 overs.

 

[Captain]

Rizwan should have finished on 135* as compared to 131* . Weird !

 

[Bewal Express]

I haven't got the stats to hand but just watching Pathirana - his arm is surely lower than Malinga.

And as @Bewal Express often says - slingy bowlers find it harder to maintain a consistent channel.

He has a bouncer but doesn't have Malinga's variations either.

The guy was awful but most slingy actions are unreliable. This guys is particularly bad in ODI.

 

[heddie19]

Babar might need to think about Opening himself with Abdullah Shafique. Then you can bring saud at #3, Fakhar can come into the team and bat at #5 or #6. depending on the situation.

Rizwan will do very good at opening too and more chances of scoring tons that he loves.

 

[Captain]

Rizwan should have finished on 135* as compared to 131* . Weird !

Infant 134*, my bad

 

[mominsaigol]

still think must find a way to include Fakhar since he is an impact player and can win you a game by himself. I know he’s out of form but so is Imam. Imam got out in exactly the same fashion today.

Perhaps open with Abdullah and Babar and bat Fakhar at 5 after Rizwan and Saud. Then iftikhar at 6.

Imam's always been the weak link, The guy is clueless when playing quality attacks lol. Their not even bouncers, their just casual short balls thay bowlers bowl consistently and he can't play.

The dude can't hit lofted strokes or play pulls or anything. Overrated af.

 

[shamaan]

What a great victory both teams were sloppy in the field with multiple chances created.

What a knock by Abdullah on his world cup Debut.Rizwan showed his class and calculated the chase to perfection.

 

[Technics 1210]

In all the excitement, the most pertinent question has not been asked - Where is @Mamoon ?

 

[Buffet]

Fantastic chase here! Well done.

 

[Badboy_1]

Can someone please tell me if I'm missing something, why was the last boundary by Rizwan just given as one run only ?

I have same question

 

[Moiza]

Abdullah Shafique has to be the biggest joke of a batsman I have seen in ODI cricket. No intent. Feels like he is batting in the nets and doesn’t give a damn about his team.

Just playing for himself here

What is your analysis of Abdullah now?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

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[shah9425]

Amazing win

Rizwan and Abdullah and Hasan stars of match

Meanwhile some haters crying in corner

 

[szrana]

A couple of overs late but all the 6 people who laughed at this please form a line for some humble pie.

You nailed it mate. Welldone

 

[Captain]

I have same question

Please let me know when you find out... it's bugging me big time... I know it's not that important, but it's still a cricket question needs an answer

 

[Technics 1210]

This match is the first in World Cup history to have four centuries.

BBC

 

[sam_ahm]

Brilliant chase, got our monies worth. Highest ever chase in World Cup history... Take a bow Pakistan... This is the kind of flair that you bring to the competition!

 

[Saj]

Fantastic effort by Pakistan to chase that down.

Sri Lanka showed their inexperience at times, when stronger teams would not have let Pakistan back into th match.

Some good signs for Pakistan.

 

[Bewal Express]

And so I will

Regardless. I said well played

Each and every run must have been a dagger through your heart. One of the great PKs innings and a crucial one for our confidence

 

[kron]

Need an apology from rana sir about rizwan.

Rizzu bhai what a win. Brilliant.
outstanding performance.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Credit to Pak bowlers to restrict them to a par total instead of above par. They had an opportunity to put up a total like 380.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Fantastic effort by Pakistan to chase that down.

Sri Lanka showed their inexperience at times, when stronger teams would not have let Pakistan back into th match.

Some good signs for Pakistan.

Yea.. They have absolutely no experience to guide these youngsters. 23 year old Theekshana, 23 year old Madhushanka, 20 year old Pathirana, 20 year old wellalege. Played only a handful ODIs between them. In the qualifiers they were able to bully associate sides at will. They have a long and tough stretch ahead.

 

[Usman Chadda]

What is your analysis of Abdullah now?

I stand corrected.

Never have seen this from Abdullah. The way he was batting when set was sublime, just placing the ball at will.

Very happy to be proven wrong.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Rizwan sure has made #4 spot his own. It goes to show you, sometimes it takes a while and this is why you invest in talented player.

On the other end, same can be said for Samarawickrama who looked awful on his ODI debut and got out for consecutive ducks against Pakistan in 2017. Looked like a scrub initially but he's turned into a pretty solid player who can bat at a very nice SR.

Abdullah up until today, didn't really have any notable knocks in ODI and everyone kept asking why is he staying in the squads without any results, Babar's friend, parchi etc. and then he proves his class with a knock like this. We've seen it in PSL where he can really play at a good SR but hasn't really proved it yet in ODI's. Glad he see he gets that breakthrough in such an epic way.

Unfortunately, with how little ODI is played nowadays, players are expected to produce results right away but it just goes to show you that talented players need to be properly backed.

 

[RagingJ]

Can someone please tell me if I'm missing something, why was the last boundary by Rizwan just given as one run only ?

Because they completed the single first when tied one scores before the ball went to the boundary.

So once the single is completed the game ends.

 

[Iamcoolwhiz]

scary situation for team india...it's not looking good.

While this is a great chase, it actually works against Pakistan. From the Pakistani cricketiing history, they usually play 1 such unbelievable game each tournament, and they may have wasted it on the wrong team.

 

[King_Babar]

Rizwan sure has made #4 spot his own. It goes to show you, sometimes it takes a while and this is why you invest in talented player.

On the other end, same can be said for Samarawickrama who looked awful on his ODI debut and got out for consecutive ducks against Pakistan in 2017. Looked like a scrub initially but he's turned into a pretty solid player who can bat at a very nice SR.

Abdullah up until today, didn't really have any notable knocks in ODI and everyone kept asking why is he staying in the squads without any results, Babar's friend, parchi etc. and then he proves his class with a knock like this. We've seen it in PSL where he can really play at a good SR but hasn't really proved it yet in ODI's. Glad he see he gets that breakthrough in such an epic way.

Unfortunately, with how little ODI is played nowadays, players are expected to produce results right away but it just goes to show you that talented players need to be properly backed.

You have highlighted the real problem, the minimal number of ODI share we get is definitely not enough for players to get used to the format. Another alternative apart from PCB arranging more ODIs is asking players to play more and more List A cricket, we can even have 2 ODI domestic tournaments as well. It is always better than playing foreign leagues.

 

[Mas-LFC]

Pakistan can chase this. One stage looked when SL batting looked like be getting close to 400. Pak did well to limiting the damage. Need someone to score big 100, couple with high 50s, 1 or 2 with quick fire 35-50, get to 200 for 3 max, by 33overs. Then 102balls to get 145 with 7wickets in hand todays age its easily done.

Won’t say I knew it. I just felt it. Because SL not making close to 400 from the position they were, Pak minimising the damage in the end. Just felt SL did not get enough, although 344 is massive score the wicket was a belter plus SL bowlers got a spanking against SA.

But still, 345 to get takes some doing and proper ODI ways to pace the chase. Despite no SIX in the first PP, losing two early wickets. What an incredible historic record breaking world cup chase. Congrats to PCT and it’s fans.