PAK vs SL: Mohammad Rizwan becomes 2nd Pakistan wicket-keeper to hit hundred in ODI World Cups

Pakistan wicket-keeping batter Mohammad Rizwan scored his third ODI century against Sri Lanka at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Pakistan are facing Sri Lanka in their second match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Rizwan became just the second Pakistan wicket-keeping batter to hit an ODI World Cup century. The only other Pakistan wicket-keeper to achieve the feat was former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed against Ireland in the 2015 World Cup.

Chasing 345 runs, Rizwan played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s chase in Hyderabad. Rizwan walked in when Pakistan was reeling at 37 for 2 after 7.2 overs. Pakistan had lost the wickets of opener Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam, which left Rizwan to play a crucial role in the revival of their



innings.

The wicket-keeping batter stitched a vital 176-run stand with opening batter Abdullah Shafique for the fourth wicket. This was the second-highest partnership for Pakistan in the history of ODI World Cups. Both Shafique and Rizwan went on to score centuries in the match.

Shafique got to his maiden ODI century on his World Cup debut off 97 balls. Following his century, Shafique upped the ante and smashed a couple of boundaries before being dismissed due to a phenomenal diving catch by substitute fielder Dushan Hemantha. Shafique scored 113 runs off 103 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and three sixes.

Then Rizwan formed yet another important partnership, this time with Saud Shakeel. He got to the three-figure mark in 97 balls in the 42nd over.