In a thrilling World Cup match, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious situation during their pursuit of a challenging target of 345 runs. The early wickets of opener Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam had Pakistan on the back foot, raising doubts about their ability to reach the target. Babar and co chased the target comfortably. This became a record chase in World Cups.
However, the resilience of Mohammed Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique came to the forefront as they combined to stabilize Pakistan’s innings. Their partnership, which is now racing towards the 200-run mark, breathed new life into Pakistan’s chase.
Abdullah Shafique, making his World Cup debut, displayed remarkable composure and skill as he notched up a century. His brilliant innings finally came to an end when substitute fielder Dushan Hemantha pulled off a sensational catch, dismissing Shafique for a commendable 115 runs off 103 balls.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Rizwan faced a different kind of challenge as he battled cramps and back problems. Undeterred by these physical ailments, Rizwan exhibited tremendous grit and determination to reach his third ODI century.
The partnership between Shafique and Rizwan not only turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor but also showcased their ability to thrive under pressure. With Rizwan’s century, they continued to pile on the runs, making a significant impact on the match.
Sehwag tweeted
After such a commanding performance from Pakistan, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag showered praise on the Pakistan team. Here is what he had to say:
As Pakistan’s innings progressed, the duo’s partnership became the driving force behind their chase, instilling hope in their supporters. Their remarkable resilience and ability to overcome adversity demonstrated the fighting spirit of the Pakistani team.
Pakistan made a thumping comeback thanks to the heroic efforts of Shafique and Rizwan. Their performance not only revived Pakistan’s hopes of achieving the target but also underscored their potential to compete at the highest level of international cricket.
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