Record's tumble in Pakistan's stunning World Cup win over Sri Lanka

Record’s tumble in Pakistan’s stunning World Cup win over Sri Lanka as Babar Azam’s side complete record run chase of 345 in the first match ever at the tournament to see four centuries

  • Pakistan made it two wins from two in emphatic fashion against Sri Lanka 
  • Kusal Mendis beat Kumar Sangakarra’s record to score his ton of just 65 balls 
  • England bounced back from their thumping by New Zealand to beat Bangladesh 

Pakistan made it two wins from their first two matches as Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique hit centuries in a record World Cup run-chase to set up a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting 345 after Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama smashed tons for Sri Lanka, they got over the line in 48.2 overs after Rizwan’s 131 not out and Abdullah’s 113. 

It eclipsed Ireland’s record when they hit 329 against England in 2011 and was the first match in a World Cup to have four centuries.

Mendis reached his ton in 65 balls — the fastest by a Sri Lankan at a World Cup — flicking pacer Hasan Ali for a six off his legs to eclipse ex-skipper Kumar Sangakkara, whose century had come off 70 balls against England in 2015.

Pakistan got off to a shaky start as Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam inside eight overs before Shafique cut loose to build a superb 176-run partnership with Rizwan.

Pakistan secured victory in stunning fashion against Sri Lanka in a World Cup record run chase

Mohammad Rizwan finished on 131 not out on a memorable day for Pakistan cricket

Kusal Mendis broke national hero Kumar Sangakarra’s 70-ball record to score a ton in 65 balls

Shafique, who replaced the out-of-form Fakhar Zaman, cracked 10 fours and three sixes on his World Cup debut but fell to Matheesha Pathirana after a stunning catch by substitute Dushan Hemantha. 

Rizwan was hit in the face and battled cramps after getting into the 80s but soldiered on for his century before guiding them home in style.

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