(Image Soruce: Instagram)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan and Sri Lanka played an exciting ODI World Cup 2023 match in Hyderabad on October 10. Pakistan arrived in Hyderabad on September 27, playing warm-up games against New Zealand and Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium before facing the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in the tournament.
Pakistan’s memorable stay in Hyderabad concluded with a record-breaking victory over Sri Lanka, successfully chasing down 345 runs with six wickets in hand. Before departing, the former world champions took pictures with the ground staff at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where the pitches favored batsmen. Pakistan collected four valuable points from their wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka and is now heading to Ahmedabad for a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world.
Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 344/9 with Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama scoring brilliant centuries after Dasun Shanaka chose to bat first. Pakistan’s Hasan Ali shone with the ball, taking four wickets for 71 runs. Pakistan faced an early setback in their chase with the loss of Imam-Ul-Haq and Babar Azam within the first eight overs.
However, Abdullah Shafique, replacing the out-of-form Fakhar Zaman, formed a magnificent 176-run partnership off 156 balls, setting Pakistan on a strong path. Shafique achieved a phenomenal century, while Rizwan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 131 off 121 balls.
Iftikhar Ahmed contributed a crucial 10-ball 22*, helping Pakistan secure victory with 10 balls to spare. This remarkable chase became the highest successful run-chase in ODI World Cup history.