ICC WORLD CUP 2023: PAKISTAN VS SIRI LANKA

 

P.C. Alamy

Sri Lanka has become a much more powerful and strong side compared to the Sri Lankan team of 2019 and 2020. Sri Lanka played a final in Asia cup beating Pakistan in virtual semifinal. Pakistan faced Sri Lanka side in World Cup 2023 on 11/10/2023 in Hyderabad Stadium, India. Sri Lanka won the toss decided to bat first.

Pakistan created chance in starting but was not able to capitalize on that after that Pakistan’s bowling just was all over place. Hassan Ali struck early after that Nissanka and Kusal Mendis scored Half centuries before Nissanka became scalp of Shadab khan. Then again Pakistan was down as there were many misfields miss runout chances and Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama capitalized that both scored brilliant centuries.

To break partnership Babar Azam went for the pick of bowlers i.e., Hassan Ali and Kusal Mendis lost his wicket after scoring 122(77) and Sadeera SamaraWickrama went back for an impressive 108(89).

After an outstanding batting from top order, it was nothing innings from middle and down order and Pakistan were able to restrict Siri Lanka to 344/9 which in start of the match seemed like 360 or above.

Pakistan starts it innings with Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar Zaman could not make it to Playing XI in this contest. Agony for Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam Continues as both could not score in this match also Imam scored 12 for (12) and Babar scored 10(15). Abdullah Shafiq proved to be a valuable addition in the playing XI as he absorbed pressure with wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Rizwan after 2 quick wickets.

Abdullah Shafiq and Muhammad Rizwan started building innings slowly but were clever enough to capitalize on lose deliveries which never let run rate get out of hand. Abdullah scored marvelous 113(103) before he was victim of a brilliant catch by a substitute fielder. After Abdullah, Saud Shakeel played a little cute innings of 31(30). Muhammad Rizwan finished the match with Iftikhar Ahmed and were unbeatable on 131(121) and 22(10) respectively.

Some credit should also be given to Siri Lankan bowlers also as they have bowled 26 extra’s with 25 wide’s and a no ball.

Pakistan will play its next match against India but before that Match they should sit and work on the weak links in the team. Babar need to be more decent with Bat and appropriate with field and bowler changes.

Pakistan won the match but was not an easy win and should work hard on fielding and bowling before facing arch-rivals India.