Abdullah Shafique marked his World Cup debut with a century on Tuesday as Pakistan successfully chased 345 to defeat Sri Lanka in their second game of the tournament.
Shafique, playing in only his fifth ODI, scored 113 runs, which were laced with 10 fours and three sixes.
Rizwan also scored his third ODI century off 97 balls with seven fours and two sixes and was still at the crease as Pakistan chased a winning target of 345.
The Indian cricket fraternity heaped praise on the duo for their 176-run partnership.
50 overs of keeping with brilliant 💯 from Rizwan. Best player of spin from team Pakistan doing it under pressure for them. #PAKvsSL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 10, 2023
This is a superbly crafted run chase and it is the 50 over format, where there is time for innings building, that allows fine players like Abdullah Shafique to have a role.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 10, 2023
Batting is about pacing your innings and picking the perfect time and bowler to attack. Rizwan played a perfectly planned Odi knock. He is always there for his team. #PAKvSL #Rizwan
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 10, 2023
Kya phainta lagaya. Highest successful WC chase. Brilliant from Pakistan after losing 2 early wickets. Shafique was calm and elegant and Rizwan showing why he is so reliable. Sri Lankan bowling was all over the place and too many extras. #PAKvSL
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 10, 2023
Rizwan is the real match winner for Pakistan. Never gives up. Innovates. Backs his strength – the sweep shot.
What a set up now the #INDvPAK will be. #PAKvSL #ICCCricketWorldCup23— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 10, 2023
When Rizwan started cramping up, SriLanka would have known they were in trouble.
What a game! What a win for Pakistan! 👏👏👏#ICCCricketWorldCup #PAKvSL— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 10, 2023
Shafique has made the most of the opportunity…now, twice over. Looks solid against pace. Comfortable again at spin.
Rizwan is a fabulous cricketer…adversity brings the best out of him. Superb run-chase by Pakistan. Sets up nicely for the 14th 😇🥳 #CWC23— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 10, 2023
