Sports

Abdullah Shafique Stars On World Cup Debut, Gets Maiden ODI Century In WC 2023 Game

October 10, 2023
Bharat Times

Pakistan’s young opener Abdullah Shafique had a stellar run in the World Cup 2023 game against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. The Pakistan opener showed tremendous character and went on to score his maiden ODI century on Tuesday. He even became just the fourth batter from Pakistan to get a World Cup hundred against Sri Lanka after Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Saleem Malik.

Shafique took an aerial route against de Silva and sent the ball into the stands for a maximum. On the back of this shot, he displayed intent and let everyone know what was in the store. He consistently kept on hitting big shots on bad deliveries by the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Shafique alongside Rizwan batted patiently and ended up putting Pakistan in a commanding position.  The century stand between him and his colleague not only stabilized the ship but also helped in keeping the team’s hopes alive.

It was Pathirana who took Shafique’s wicket and his 176-run stand with Rizwan came to an end. It was a short delivery where the Pakistan batter was looking to play the cut shot but ended up getting caught by Hemantha who was stationed at the backward point. He departed after scoring 113 runs in just 103 balls.

Shafique’s brilliant century on World Cup debut was not only an individual feat but also a game-changing knock that had the intent to power Pakistan to victory.

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana.

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Wasim Jr.