Pakistan has been one of the most uncertain teams in history of World Cricket. They can collapse for 100 and they can chase down 350 as well. On their day, Pakistan can challenge any team in the World and they can lose to a budding associate nation as well. On the other hand, Sri Lanka who had been consistent since 1996 World Cup win, are on a re-buliding path, now. Sri Lanka lost to Pakistan in a huge chase in CWC 2023, on 10th October.
In Hyderabad, Pakistan after a stutter against Netherlands, needed a big game to gain momentum. They found such a game against Sri Lanka. On a belter of a pitch, Pakistan bowling fell apart but came good in the final overs to restrict Sri Lanka under 350. Once, Sri Lanka looked crusing to 400 and this final over stutter resulted in a huge chase by their opponent team. Even on field, Sri Lanka dropped catches and Matheesha Pathirana proved that he is still in grooming period. The young bowler gave away 90 runs under pressure.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Kusal Mendis scored 122 from 77 after Pathum Nissanka 51 off 61. Adding more pace to the innings, Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 108 runs from 89 balls. When they were at crease, Pakistan bowlers had no clue. Once. the batters got out, bowlers clawed their way back into the game in death overs. Hasan Ali(4/71), Haris Rauf(2/64), Shaheen Shah Afridi(1/66) displayed an exhibition of death bowling. Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka score in final overs by giving away only 60 runs. Sri Lanka scored 344/9 in 50 overs.
Pakistan found themselves in trouble as Dilshan Madushanka removed Imam-ul-Haq(12) and Babar Azam(10) cheaply. Abdullah Shafique(113) kept the attack going while Mohammad Rizwan assisted him. later, Rizwan took the offence and took Pakistan to winning shores with 131 from 121 balls. He has been awarded Player of the Match for his effort. Pakistan showed rare calm and composure under pressure in chase. Pakistan scored 345/4 in 48.2 overs and won the match by 6 wickets. They have made their case to qualify for Semi-finals strong with this win.
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