Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Scorecard and Records – A Historic Chapter in a Long-Standing Rivalry

The rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has produced countless unforgettable cricket moments over the decades. From thrilling Asia Cup battles to dramatic World Cup encounters, the two Asian giants have repeatedly delivered high-quality cricket.

However, among all their ODI meetings, the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 clash in Hyderabad holds a special place in history. It was not just another victory—it was a match that rewrote the record books.

Sri Lanka produced one of their finest batting performances in World Cup cricket, posting an imposing 344/9 with magnificent centuries from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama. A total of that size usually guarantees victory.

But Pakistan responded with one of the greatest run chases ever witnessed in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique combined for a remarkable partnership that helped Pakistan reach 345/4 in 48.2 overs, creating the highest successful chase in World Cup history at that time.

This article explores the complete Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team match scorecard, major records, historical rivalry, and the statistical significance of this unforgettable encounter.

Match Overview

Match Details	Information
Tournament	ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
Venue	Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Date	10 October 2023
Sri Lanka	344/9 (50 Overs)
Pakistan	345/4 (48.2 Overs)
Result	Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match	Mohammad Rizwan

Sri Lanka’s 344 Runs – A Total That Seemed Unbeatable

After being invited to bat, Sri Lanka began their innings with confidence. Although they lost Kusal Perera without scoring, the middle order produced a batting exhibition.

Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard

Batter	Runs	Balls
Pathum Nissanka	51	61
Kusal Perera	0	4
Kusal Mendis	122	77
Sadeera Samarawickrama	108	89
Charith Asalanka	1	3
Dhananjaya de Silva	25	34
Dasun Shanaka	12	12
Dunith Wellalage	10	8
Maheesh Theekshana	0	2
Kasun Rajitha	14*	14
Dilshan Madushanka	0*	0
Extras	1
Total	344/9 (50 Overs)

Kusal Mendis Creates a World Cup Masterclass

Kusal Mendis played one of the most destructive innings in Sri Lanka’s World Cup history.

His 122 runs from only 77 deliveries included:

• 14 boundaries
• 6 sixes
• A century in just 65 balls

He attacked Pakistan’s pace bowlers with complete confidence and transformed the innings from a steady start into a dominant batting display.

Sadeera Samarawickrama’s Century Adds to Sri Lanka’s Record Total

While Mendis played aggressively, Sadeera Samarawickrama provided the perfect balance.

His unbeaten 108 from 89 balls ensured Sri Lanka maintained momentum throughout the middle and final overs.

Together, Mendis and Samarawickrama became one of the few Sri Lankan pairs to score centuries in the same World Cup innings.

Pakistan Bowling Figures

Pakistan’s bowlers had a difficult day, but Hasan Ali’s efforts prevented Sri Lanka from crossing the 360-run mark.

Bowler	Overs	Wickets	Runs Conceded
Hasan Ali	10	4	71
Haris Rauf	10	2	64
Shaheen Shah Afridi	9	1	66
Mohammad Nawaz	9	1	62
Iftikhar Ahmed	2	0	11

Pakistan’s Record Chase – 345/4

A target of 345 in a World Cup game was considered extremely difficult.

Pakistan suffered early setbacks when Imam-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam returned to the pavilion with only 37 runs on the scoreboard.

At that moment, Sri Lanka were favorites.

However, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan produced a partnership that completely changed cricket history.

Pakistan Batting Scorecard

Batter	Runs	Balls
Imam-ul-Haq	12	12
Abdullah Shafique	113	103
Babar Azam	10	15
Mohammad Rizwan	131*	121
Saud Shakeel	31	30
Iftikhar Ahmed	22*	10
Extras	26
Total	345/4 (48.2 Overs)

The 176-Run Partnership That Changed the Match

The turning point came through the partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan.

Abdullah Shafique – The New World Cup Hero

Playing his first ODI World Cup, Abdullah displayed exceptional composure.

His innings included:

• 10 fours
• 3 sixes
• A century under immense pressure

He became one of the few Pakistan batters to score a hundred on their World Cup debut.

Mohammad Rizwan – A Record-Breaking Match Winner

Rizwan remained unbeaten on 131 and controlled the chase perfectly.

His innings featured:

• Excellent strike rotation
• Smart shot selection
• Strong finishing ability

He became the first Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score a World Cup century while chasing.

Historical Records Created During the Match

The Hyderabad encounter entered the record books for several reasons.

Major Records

• Pakistan completed the highest successful chase in ODI World Cup history at that time.
• It was Pakistan’s highest successful ODI run chase.
• Four players scored centuries in the same match.
• Sri Lanka became the first team to lose a World Cup match after two players scored centuries.
• Pakistan chased a target above 340 for the first time in World Cup history.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Rivalry – Historical Overview

The Pakistan-Sri Lanka rivalry dates back to 1975 and has seen more than 150 ODI meetings.

Head-to-Head ODI Record

Category	Record
Matches Played	156+
Pakistan Wins	92+
Sri Lanka Wins	59+
No Result	Several

Pakistan have historically enjoyed a stronger record, but many contests have been closely fought, especially in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup matches.

Greatest Players in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka History

Pakistan Legends

Over the years, many Pakistan stars have dominated this rivalry:

• Saeed Anwar
• Inzamam-ul-Haq
• Shahid Afridi
• Mohammad Yousuf
• Babar Azam
• Mohammad Rizwan

Sri Lanka Legends

Sri Lanka have also produced iconic performers:

• Sanath Jayasuriya
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Mahela Jayawardene
• Aravinda de Silva
• Muttiah Muralitharan

Expert Analysis – Why This Match Was a Statistical Marvel

From a cricket analyst’s perspective, this was one of the most complete ODI matches of the modern era.

Sri Lanka did almost everything right with the bat. A score of 344 with two centuries would normally guarantee success.

The difference came down to Pakistan’s temperament.

Rizwan and Abdullah understood that chasing such a target required patience rather than panic. They built their partnership carefully before accelerating at the right moment.

Another major factor was Sri Lanka’s inability to take wickets after dismissing Babar Azam. Once the partnership crossed 100 runs, the momentum shifted completely.

Fan Reactions Around the Cricket World

The match generated huge reactions from cricket fans worldwide.

Many described it as:

• One of the best matches of the 2023 World Cup.
• A modern ODI classic.
• A perfect example of why 50-over cricket remains exciting.

Pakistani fans celebrated the rise of Abdullah Shafique, while Rizwan received praise for playing one of the greatest innings in Pakistan’s World Cup history.

Impact on the World Cup 2023 Campaign

Pakistan

The victory provided:

• Two important points.
• Confidence in their middle order.
• Proof they could chase big totals under pressure.

Sri Lanka

The defeat exposed:

• Bowling weaknesses.
• Difficulty defending large totals.
• Overdependence on early wickets.

Conclusion

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team match scorecard from the 2023 Cricket World Cup is much more than a list of numbers.

It tells the story of a match where Sri Lanka’s brilliant batting appeared enough, but Pakistan responded with a historic chase that broke records and created unforgettable memories.

Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 131 and Abdullah Shafique’s magnificent 113 transformed a difficult chase into one of Pakistan’s greatest World Cup victories.

Even years later, the Hyderabad classic will be remembered as one of the finest ODI matches ever played between these two proud cricket nations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the final score of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan World Cup 2023?

Sri Lanka scored 344/9, while Pakistan chased the target with 345/4 in 48.2 overs.

Who won the Player of the Match award?

Mohammad Rizwan received the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 131.

What record did Pakistan break in this match?

Pakistan achieved the highest successful run chase in Cricket World Cup history at that time.

How many centuries were scored in the match?

Four centuries were scored by Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Rizwan.

What was the turning point of the match?

The 176-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.