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Sri Lanka etched their name into the annals of cricket history as they posted the highest-ever total against Pakistan in the ICC ODI World Cup. The breathtaking display of batting prowess, led by Kusal Mendis and complemented by Sadeera Samarawickrama, lit up the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Mendis unleashes a spectacular show
Despite losing the early wicket of Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka’s batting powerhouse, Mendis, showcased his extraordinary talent in a jaw-dropping display. Mendis, who had already made an impact with 8 sixes in the first powerplay against South Africa, surpassed that feat in the match against Pakistan.
Partnering initially with Pathum Nissanka, who contributed a commendable 50, Mendis engaged in a thrilling contest with the Pakistani bowlers. As Nissanka held his end, Mendis’s relentless assault on the bowlers began, and the Sri Lankan duo put up a formidable partnership.
Fastest century in Sri Lanka’s World Cup history
The highlight of the innings came when Mendis achieved the fastest century ever by a Sri Lankan in the history of the Cricket World Cup. He reached the landmark with breathtaking ease, demolishing the opposition’s bowling attack. His remarkable century was a testament to his exceptional skill and dominance at the crease.
Also READ: CWC 2023 – Twitter erupts as Kusal Mendis hits dazzling ton against Pakistan; fastest-ever by a Sri Lankan in World Cup history
Samarawickrama shines with the willow
Even after Mendis’s departure following his century, the entertainment did not cease. Samarawickrama took charge and played gracefully, earning himself a well-deserved century. His elegant strokeplay and effortless batting style caught the attention of spectators and fans alike.
Mendis scored 122 of 77 balls, including 14 fours and 6 sixes, Samarawickrama smashed 11 fours and a couple of maximums enroute to his 108 from 89 deliveries. When it comes to Pakistan, Hasan Ali managed to take a couple of crucial wickets but the rest of their bowling unit faced a formidable challenge from the Sri Lankan batters. Bowlers like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi had an off-day, contributing to Sri Lanka’s massive total.
A historic total
Sri Lanka’s final total of 344/9 in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 encounter marked a significant milestone. It stands as the highest total ever recorded against Pakistan in the history of World Cup matches. Sri Lanka’s remarkable performance with the bat has now set a daunting target for Pakistan to chase.
Highest totals against Pakistan in World Cups:
- 344/9 by Sri Lanka, Hyderabad, 2023*
- 336/5 by India, Manchester, 2019
- 334/9 by England, Nottingham, 2019
- 310/8 by Australia, Johannesburg, 2003
- 310/8 by Australia, Johannesburg, 2003
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Controversy erupts as fan wearing Team India jersey waves Pakistan flag in Hyderabad during PAK vs SL clash
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Sri Lanka posts a challenging 344/9 after 50 overs. 🏏 Now, it's time to defend the target!#LankanLions #SLvPAK #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/pIiThCUWbn
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 10, 2023
Kusal mendis 🔥 what a knock 😨 #ICCMensCricketWorldCup2023
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) October 10, 2023
As easy on the eye an ODI century as you will see from Sadeera Samarwickrama. A real touch player.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 10, 2023
@KusalMendis13 was always a special player and seems to be coming into his own. What a hundred. His recent experiences in both international and franchise cricket is showing to be a huge positive. Consistent selection and clarity of style of play also helps hugely.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) October 10, 2023
MENDIS & SADEERA HAMMERED PAKISTAN…..!!!!
– Kusal Mendis: 122(77)
– Sadeera Samarawickrama: 108(89)Sri Lanka posted 344 for 9 from 50 overs – a feast in Hyderabad, one batting performance to remember in World Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/spSRETEN4m
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 10, 2023
Sadeera Samarawickrama is in scintillating form!!💪🏾What a performance from the youngster!! 👏🏾Sri Lanka is in a commanding position. #CWC23 #PAKvSL
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 10, 2023
Magnificent innings from Kusal Mendis👏😍
He’s such a difficult batsman to contain when he’s on song, and he’s in the form of his life. Great to see him doing justice to his potential💪
He should continue play with the same intent as he did in the last two games.#CWC2023 #PAKvSL— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) October 10, 2023
Hassan Ali – 4/71 (10).
Shaheen Afridi – 1/62 (9).
Haris Rauf – 2/64 (10).– No Pakistani pacer went for less than 6 an over, Mendis 122 (77) and Sadeera 108 (89) bossed Pakistani bowling to help Sri Lanka post 344/9. pic.twitter.com/cTwuts2xfO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 10, 2023
Apne apne standard hai bhai pic.twitter.com/wSTKu8pxgK
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) October 10, 2023
Kusal ensuring no Kushalta for Pakistan. What an innings by Kusal Mendis.
Smashing form in both matches and this was a very special hundred. Dhaaga Khol stuff#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/j9HM10Uzu7— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 10, 2023
Kusal Mendis in some form! He s absolutely smashing it to all parts. Pak bowlers have no answer whatsoever. #PAKvsSL
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) October 10, 2023
