Pakistan chase 345 against Sri Lanka, set record for highest successful run chase in ICC Cricket World Cup history

345 is also Pakistan's second highest run chase in their ODI history.

Pakistan have broken several records against Sri Lanka after a successful run-chase of 345 runs at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Pakistan go on to second in the table after New Zealand as they begin their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with two back-to-back wins. Mohammad Rizwan (131*) and Abdullah Shafique (113) scored centuries as Pakistan decimated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in their second league game. 

Pakistan's record-breaking chase

Pakistan have also set a world record for the highest successful run chase in World Cup history. For the first time in World Cup history, a team has chased down a target above 330 in 50 overs. Pakistan have broken Ireland’s record for the highest successful run chase in the World Cup. Ireland chased down 329 runs against England in 2011 and held that record till Pakistan scored 345 runs against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on Monday. 

Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien smashed the then fastest World Cup century in 50-balls and that was broken just a few days back by South African middle order batter Aiden Markram. Markram smashed a 49-ball century against Sri Lanka. Opener Abdullah Shafique (113) and Mohammad Rizwan (131*) helped Pakistan break Ireland’s 12-year-old record with a magnificent partnership of 176 runs for the 3rd wicket. Pakistan were 2 wickets down inside the first power play. 

4 centuries in one ODI game

This is also the second-highest successful run chase for Pakistan in ODI format. They chased down 349 runs against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore last year. Another record was made in the game as this was only the third occasion in ODI cricket where 4 centuries have been scored. Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108) scored centuries for Sri Lanka while Mohammad Rizwan (131*) and Abdullah Shafique (113) scored centuries for Pakistan. 

Sri Lanka posted 344 runs on the board with the help of Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarwickrama’s splendid efforts with the bat. Sri Lanka were looking set for a big total but Pakistani bowlers made a great comeback in the final overs. Hasan Ali ended his spell with 4 wickets in 10 overs and Haris Rauf also chipped in with 2 wickets in the final overs. Pakistan will be next playing against India in their next league game at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.