Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the Cricket World Cup 2023, thanks to a brilliant century by Babar Azam and a three-wicket haul by Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced each other in the Cricket World Cup 2023 on 12th October 2023 in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 219 runs in 49 overs, with Babar Azam scoring 119 runs off 125 balls. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 218 runs in 49.5 overs, with Shaheen Afridi taking three wickets. Pakistan won the match by 6 wickets.
Pakistan’s batting performance
Pakistan’s batting performance was led by Babar Azam, who scored a brilliant century. He was supported by Fakhar Zaman (42 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (34 runs). Pakistan lost their first wicket in the 10th over, but Azam and Zaman put on a 100-run partnership for the second wicket. Zaman was dismissed in the 25th over, but Azam continued to bat positively. He reached his century in the 40th over and was eventually dismissed in the 45th over.
Pakistan’s other batsmen also made useful contributions. Mohammad Rizwan scored 34 runs off 49 balls, while Asif Ali scored 21 runs off 15 balls. Pakistan finished their innings with 219 runs on the board.
Babar Azam’s century
Babar Azam’s century was the highlight of Pakistan’s batting performance. He played a very patient and responsible innings. He hit 12 fours and two sixes in his 119-run innings. Azam’s century helped Pakistan to post a respectable total on the board.
Sri Lanka’s batting performance
Sri Lanka’s batting performance was disappointing. They lost their first wicket in the first over and never really recovered. Only two Sri Lankan batsmen, Pathum Nissanka (48 runs) and Charith Asalanka (54 runs), scored half-centuries.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 218 runs in 49.5 overs. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, taking three wickets. Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Haris Rauf also took two wickets each.
Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket haul
Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket haul was the highlight of Pakistan’s bowling performance. He bowled with great pace and accuracy. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva in his spell. Afridi’s three wickets helped Pakistan to bowl out Sri Lanka for a low score.
Conclusion:
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Babar Azam’s century and Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket haul were the highlights of Pakistan’s performance.
Additional information:
- Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played each other 117 times in ODIs, with Pakistan winning 84 matches and Sri Lanka winning 31 matches.
- This was Pakistan’s first win over Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup since 2011.
- Babar Azam’s century was his 17th century in ODIs. He is now the second-highest century scorer for Pakistan in ODIs, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (49 centuries).
- Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket haul was his 24th three-wicket haul in ODIs. He is now the youngest bowler to take 24 three-wicket hauls in ODIs.
Analysis:
Pakistan’s victory over Sri Lanka is a significant one. It is their first win over Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup since 2011. This victory will boost Pakistan’s confidence and put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
Babar Azam’s century was a match-winning one. He played a very patient and responsible innings. He hit 12 fours and two sixes in his 119-run innings. Azam’s century helped Pakistan to post a respectable total on the board.