Rizwan 131*, Shafique 113 complete record World Cup chase
Pakistan gunned down 345 to win back-to-back games while Sri Lanka suffered their second successive defeat
Pakistan gunned down 345 to win back-to-back games while Sri Lanka suffered their second successive defeat
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Deivarayan Muthu
10.25pm Pakistan gun down 345 - the highest successful chase ever in a World Cup - to win back-to-back games. Sri Lanka suffer their second successive defeat in this tournament. Shaheen and Rauf lift Rizwan. Babar hugs Rizwan. Emotional scenes in the Pakistan camp. Rizwan batted cramps and SL's attack on his way to a career-best 131*. Shafique, who was picked in place of Fakhar, announced himself with a career-best effort of his own. He had played just eight List A games before today, but he stepped up along with Rizwan to turn the tables on Sri Lanka. That's all we have for you from today's game. Until next time, this is Deivarayan Muthu signing off on the behalf of Madushka Balasuriya.
Rizwan, Player of the Match: Always proud when you perform like that. It was difficult and when you chase like that, it's always special. Every player in the dressing room had the belief we can chase that. Basically, it's a good track and we decided to calculate the innings. Sometimes cramps, sometimes acting (laughs).
Shanaka: Mendis is in form at the moment and is in the zone. Also Sadeera has been playing very well in the recent well, but we should've finished stronger in the end. Of course, I thought with the way the wicket behaved, we were 20-25 runs short. Credit to them, they bowled very good slower balls. I can't ask too much from the bowlers. I have given simple plans and coaching staff as well, but we gave too much extras. The only way is to encourage them. Unfortunately, we missed our chances.
Babar: I think Rizwan, the way he played... He built the partnership and put pressure on the Sri Lanka team. We finished well with our fast bowlers. First World Cup for Shafique and he is in good nick and I decided to play him. I think the way Rizwan and him played they helped us with the partnership. Good for us, the middle order has stepped up and just believe in ourselves.
Bashar: "Good batting from Pakistan. No matter how good the pitch is, it is always hard to chase down 344-odd runs. Pakistan kept their composure and is very close to the finish line without any drama..."
A conventional batter at the age of 23, Shafique was not fazed at the prospect of pulling off a record chase in a World Cup
And Mohammad Rizwan injects more drama into Pakistan's record run chase
The record for most centuries in a single World Cup game was also reset in Hyderabad on Tuesday
Pakistan gunned down 345 to win back-to-back games while Sri Lanka suffered their second successive defeat
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