Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique both hit centuries as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets, chasing down 345 runs. This set a new record for the highest successful run chase in Cricket World Cup history.
Rizwan scored an unbeaten 131 while Shafique made 113. Their partnership allowed Pakistan to surpass the previous World Cup chase record of 328 set by Ireland against England in 2011.
Sri Lanka Post 344-9 Powered by Blistering Centuries
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 344-9 thanks largely to aggressive centuries from Kusal Mendis (122 off 77 balls) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108 off 89).
Mendis capitalized after early drops to smash the fastest Cricket World Cup ton for Sri Lanka, with 14 fours and 6 sixes. Samarawickrama then took charge, notching his own maiden ODI century.
Openers Shafique, Rizwan Lead Composed Pakistan Chase
Pakistan overhauled the daunting target with eight balls to spare. After a slow start, Shafique and Rizwan compiled a tireless partnership to break the World Cup chase record.
Rizwan crafted an unbeaten 131 with eight fours and three sixes. Their stand lifted Pakistan to an eighth straight World Cup win over Sri Lanka.
Captains Praise Milestone Performances
Sri Lanka captain Shanaka praised his centurions despite the defeat. Rizwan called chasing 345 a team effort and “always a proud memory” when performing for your country.
Pakistan now has two wins before a huge clash with archrivals India. Sri Lanka sits 0-2 but found positives in its batting fireworks.
England Beat Bangladesh
In Sunday’s earlier Cricket World Cup match, Dawid Malan’s century fueled England’s first tournament win in a 137-run rout of Bangladesh.
Malan smashed 140 off 107 balls as England tallied 364-9. Left-arm pacer Reece Topley then took 4-43 as Bangladesh was bowled out for 227 in 48.2 overs.
It was England’s fourth-biggest World Cup win by runs ever. The victory gets both teams to 2 points after two games.
Malan Century Anchors England’s 364-9
Batting first, openers Malan and Jonny Bairstow (52) added 115 for the first wicket before Bairstow fell. Malan and Joe Root then compiled a massive 151-run stand.
Malan struck 16 fours and 5 sixes in his fifth ODI century. He accelerated after the milestone, plundering 40 off 16 balls to finish on 140.
“It was fantastic to put in a performance like this and win a game [for the team],” Malan said after.
Topley Snags 4 Wickets as England Cruise
In reply, Bangladesh never got momentum chasing 365. Left-arm pacer Reece Topley led England’s attack with excellent figures of 4-43.
Topley and the English bowlers kept Bangladesh to 227 to complete an emphatic 137-run victory. After losing their World Cup opener, England will be relieved to get their first win.
