Pakistan has established itself as a significant threat to all nine opponents and their hopes of winning the 2023 World Cup in just two games. Initially, their victory against the Netherlands wasn’t convincing enough, Pakistan came back stronger in the marquee event, when they crushed Sri Lanka by six wickets and 10 balls to spare in Hyderabad chasing their highest target in the World Cup.
The Men in Green outdid Ireland’s 328 against England in 2011 to break the record for the highest successful World Cup chase with Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique putting up a brilliant partnership in the middle overs to help the Babar Azam-led side achieve this massive chase in the game and to finish their Hyderabad leg on a high before going into the mega clash against India.
Pakistan has successfully surpassed a target of 340-plus for the second time in two years. They achieved their highest-ever successful chase in 2021 when they overcame an Australian target of 349.
The Men in Green has extended their winning record against Sri Lanka in the World Cup registering their 8th victory. The latest win over Sri Lanka would add more confidence to Babar Azam and co. going into the much-awaited clash against India on Saturday.
Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 131 is the highest score – a Pakistani wicketkeeper has ever made in an ODI as he went past the likes of the previous record of 124 runs, which was held by Kamran Akmal achieved in 2005 in Brisbane against the West Indies.
Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India in their third game of the ODI World Cup, on Saturday after two impressive wins in the first two games of the marquee event. The Men in Blue has been the dominating side against the Babar Azam-led side in the ICC events.
Owing to the ODI World Cups, India hopes to continue their winning record against Pakistan. India has defeated Pakistan seven times, and this will mark their eighth meeting in the marquee event.
Rohit Sharma-led side will look to extend their winning run in the marquee event on their home soil, while Pakistan will look to challenge the mighty Indian team in front of their home crowd in Ahmedabad.
