Pakistan opted for a surprise comeback against Sri Lanka in the eighth match of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 to be held in Hyderabad on October 10.
Sri Lanka prepared for a big hit after Dasun Shanaka came into bat against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis became the sixth fastest hundred in World Cup history, scoring 122 runs off 77 balls. He hit his 4th of his 14th inning and his 6th of his 6th inning.
Mendis added 102 for the second wicket with Pathum Nissanka (51 off 61 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and Sadira Samarawickrama. Sri Lanka had climbed to 218 in his 29 overs when he fell.
Dhananjaya de Silva was transferred to Samarawickrama after Hasan Ali (4-71) scored two goals in quick succession, displacing Mendis and Charice Asaranka. Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled 37 overs. De Silva fielded the first ball and threw the second ball over the halfway line for four.
Shaheen reacted well and hit the outside edge. He called for restraint, but it turned out that he was the only one with such thoughts. Even the habitually appealing turnstile agent, Mohammad Rizwan, showed no interest.
“Where is Babar?” asked a confused Ramiz Raja as vice-captain Shadab Khan joined a small gathering of Shaheen and Rizwan to discuss whether to appeal the decision. A few seconds passed before Ramiz realized that Pakistan captain Babar Azam had left the ground leaving Shadab in charge.
Shadab was persuaded by Shaheen and decided to conduct a review. TV umpire Nitin Menon quickly spotted daylight between the bat and the ball and de Silva continued.
Shaheen finally got hold of de Silva when he caught him right in front of Mohammad Nawaz.
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