During yesterday’s game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, something unusual happened.
This was debutant Abdullah Shafique’s celebration of his first ton which he did very much in the fashion of star India batter, Shubman Gill.
Losing the toss and fielding first, Pakistan was set the target of 345 by Sri Lanka who batted really well.
However, the Men in Green were once again failing to get going as they lost two early wickets.
They were at 37/2 in 7.2 overs when the turnaround happened for them.
Meanwhile, Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan helped their side come out of the initial setback as they stitched together a partnership of 176 runs for the 3rd wicket that set things straight for Pakistan.
While Shafique scored 113 from 103 balls, Rizwan played the inning of his life as he remained unbeaten on 134* from 121 balls.
Apparently, Shafique replaced the underfiring Fakhar Zaman at the top and didn’t disappoint in his debut match.
Talking about his stats in ODIs, Shafique has played 5 ODIs so far and scored 193 runs with an average of 38.60 and has one ton and one half-century to his name.
Additionally, he has a very short Test career wherein he has played 14 matches, scoring 1220 runs with an average of 50.83 and four tons and four half-centuries to his name.
Rizwan’s onslaught helps Pakistan chase down highest-ever score
After Shafique’s dismissal, Rizwan held one end firmly for Pakistan and batted brilliantly throughout the end.
However, he battled with cramps throughout his inning but did not let his mental resolve fade away.
Furthermore, he also received the Player of the Match award for his scintillating performance.
During the first innings, Kusal Mendis also broke the record of hitting the fastest hundred by a Sri Lankan batter.
He got ample support from Sadeera Samarawickrama and their side posted a total of 344/9 in their 50 overs.
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