Record Win: Pakistan Beats Sri Lanka By Six Wickets (image-instagram/icc)

After Pakistan’s second win in the tournament, they climbed to second in the point table behind leaders New Zealand. Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique and wicketkeeper- batter Muhammad Rizwan hit fine centuries as they defeated Sri Lanka for six wickets in a high scoring World Cup match on Tuesday.

Shafique only playing his fifth ODI, slammed a 103-ball 113 and Rizwan scored an undefeated 131 and shared a 95 partnership with Saud Shakeel to help Pakistan overhaul Sri Lanka’s total of 344/9 in 48.2 overs. Earlier, Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108) struck terrific centuries as Sri Lanka posted a huge 344/9. Mendis added his contribution with 14 fours and six sixes which made 122 off 77 balls. He smashed 102 runs along with Pathum Nissanka for the second wicket and 111 with Samarawickrama for the third.

Pakistan stretched its World Cup record against Sri Lanka to 8-0 and now has four points from two victories. Sri Lanka started their World Cup campaign with plenty of bowling problems. They lost their opening match against South Africa, who scored 428 runs against the Sri Lankans.

The most awestruck part of the game came in when the duo Shafique and Rizwan began Pakistan’s second highest ever run chase in an ODI as Sri Lankan bowlers delivered with slingy actions which ended up with 1-90.

“It’s always a proud memory when you perform for your country,” Rizwan said as he spoke to the media after claiming his player of the match trophy. While, the Sri Lankan captain tried to remain positive about the performance. “We have to look at the areas we bowled and the number of extras. The only way is to encourage [them]. We had our chances in the field but missed a lot today,” he said.

On October 14, Pakistan will meet their arch rivals India in Ahmedabad at Narendra Modi Stadium.