Pakistan created history by chasing highest score in world cup history by defeating them for 6 wicket.
Also Pakistan keep their winning streak against Sri Lanka in World Cups. The scoreline is now 8-0.
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| Pak vs sl |
On a good batting deck, the Lankans posted 344 on the board on the back of tons from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama. The former got a couple of reprieves and he cashed in big time. He notched up a 65-ball century-quickest by a SL batter in World Cups - by going after the Pakistani bowlers.
Samarawickrama's knock might have been overshadowed by Mendis but the Lankan No. 4 compiled a classy maiden hundred in ODIs.
Pakistan managed to pull things back somewhat towards the end, yet they had a big target in front of them. In reply, Pakistan lost two wickets in the first powerplay, both to Dilshan Madushanka. While Imam was bounced out for 12, captain Babar Azam was strangled down for 10. They were in a spot of bother but Pakistan fought back and did so in style.
Abdullah Shafique- replacing Fakhar at the top of the order - batted fluently and Rizwan got into the groove after a scratchy start. The duo steadied the ship and then lifted the tempo to put the Islanders under immense pressure.
The spinners weren't allowed to settle and Pathirana struggled with his lines and lengths. While Shafique raised his maiden ODI century, Rizwan notched up his fourth 50+ score in five ODI innings.
They were cruising and Hemantha pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Shafique for 113 and thereby break the 176-run partnership. However, Sri Lanka couldn't take advantage of that opening. Rizwan battled cramps, paced his innings superbly and remained unbeaten till the end to take his team home.
