HYDERABAD – Pakistan on Tuesday chased the highest total of the World Cup history to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the 8th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad.
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama sparked with their stunning tons that helped Sri Lanka to set a mammoth target of 345 runs for Pakistan.
Chasing the target, Pakistan won the match in 48.2 overs at the loss of 4 wickets. Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique scored centuries and led Pakistan to victory.
After opening pair Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera could not take a strong start, Mendis played a fiery knock of 122 runs off 77. He was fully supported by Samarawickrama, who smashed 108 off 89 to build a big score.
After their removal, Lankans lost five quick wickets but since then they have build a tough target against Pakistan.
For Pakistan, Hasan Ali took four wickets while Haris Rauf dismissed two.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first.
According to statistics, Pakistan has beaten Sri Lank 7-0 in the ICC World Cups so far. However, Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in a crucial Asia Cup match just three weeks ago.
Pakistan Squad:
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Sri Lanka Squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka