Upon winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka decided to bat. Kasun Rajitha was replaced by Maheesh Theekshana in Sri Lanka’s only alteration. Babar Azam has replaced the severely out-of-form Fakhar Zaman with Abdullah Shafique to begin with Imam in Pakistan.
Pakistan then made a flawless start, as Hasan Ali struck during the second over to knock opener Kusal Perera with a duck. But after that, the Nissanka-Mendis team launched a boundary-pushing spectacle. Imam-ul-Haq lost a fairly easy catch at backward point, adding to Pakistan’s difficulties as Shaheen Afridi seemed to be struggling with his rhythm.
Up until Shadab Khan eventually made inroads, Kusal Mendis as well as Pathum Nissanka produced a fantastic combination, scoring 102 runs over Sri Lanka’s second wicket. Nissanka was the player to leave after scoring 51, giving Pakistan a much-needed victory.
Mendis eventually went on to score his third ODI century in just 65 balls, though. He finally left the game for 122 off 77 balls, and Pakistan was relieved after Hasan Ali took back-to-back wickets.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – A bitter rivalry from the past!
For Pakistan, the scars left by the Asia Cup could still be raw. By defeating them in a virtual semifinal and eliminating them from the competition. Sri Lanka forced a final against India, which turned out to be the most lopsided game in India’s favour. Pakistan was hurt by Sri Lanka on other occasions as well.
Last year, Dasun Shanaka’s team won the Asia Cup for a sixth time by defeating Pakistan in the championship game. To suggest that Babar Azam and company have had challenges when playing Sri Lanka in important matches would be an understatement.
The scenario between the two countries is quite different in ODI World Cups. In an ODI World Cup match, Sri Lanka has never defeated Pakistan. They are undefeated in seven games against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka only avoided losing to Pakistan during a World Cup game once, in 2019. At this point, their match was abandoned without a ball getting bowled.
Fans react as Kusal Mendis smashes Pakistan bowlers to notch up brilliant hundred during ODI World Cup 2023 encounter:
– 76(42) vs South Africa.
– 122(77) vs Pakistan.Kusal Mendis has smashed Ngidi, Rabada, Jansen, Coetzee, Shaheen, Rauf, Hasan Ali attack in this World Cup – A stand out player of this tournament so far, incredible batting display. pic.twitter.com/h1ObiOswoE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 10, 2023
If imam doesn't score a century today I'm gonna start calling him parchi again!!!
— Musa (@Moosa_ac) October 10, 2023
Kusal Mendis, Take a Bow! 122 runs from 77 balls
Fastest ODI Hundred a Sri Lankan!
Absolutely astonishing batting display! He gave Sri Lanka a great platform to score big! #CWC23 #PAKvSL
Pakistan must be relieved by his wicket. ?? pic.twitter.com/AjtxlWSbsO— Sammy ? (@sammyX39) October 10, 2023
— ??????? (@_krashn_) October 10, 2023
Hassan strikes & Imam with a brilliant catch
— Farhad khan (@imFarhadkhan) October 10, 2023
His knock made a big difference in the game.
— CHARLIE (@CharlieGulshan) October 10, 2023
He is a special talent for Sri Lanka
— Tanveer Hassan (@tanveercric56_) October 10, 2023
Smashed them all around the park before he got out, Well Played Mendis.
— Piyush Cricket (@kayptalks) October 10, 2023
Well played
— jay shah (parody) (@jay_shahbcci) October 10, 2023
Fan's reaction of opposition team pic.twitter.com/5k8ZkRKtXM
— Shubham_Singh_Rajput (@Shubham32871712) October 10, 2023
