In a stunning turn of events at the ICC World Cup, Pakistan’s cricket team has left the cricketing world buzzing with their record-breaking chase against Sri Lanka, and former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes it’s a game-changer. With a thrilling India vs. Pakistan match just on the horizon, the excitement is reaching fever pitch.
On Tuesday, the Green Shirts displayed a remarkable show of resilience and talent, chasing down a colossal 345 runs to register the highest successful chase in the history of the men’s ODI World Cup. The previous record stood at Ireland’s 328 against England in 2011, but Pakistan’s historic feat has now etched a new chapter in cricket history.
The chase was far from a cakewalk, as Pakistan found themselves in a precarious situation, losing their top-order batters, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, early in the innings. However, it was the partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and the World Cup debutant, Abdullah Shafique, that would define the match.
Sunil Gavaskar, a cricket legend himself, couldn’t contain his excitement, hailing Abdullah Shafique as “looking like a Test batter.” He recognized the resilience and determination shown by Pakistan’s batters, underlining that they are no longer solely dependent on their captain, Babar Azam.
“When you are chasing 350 runs, it takes a lot. They also lost a couple of early wickets in the game. I think more than anything else, I mean, we have all known about what Rizwan can do. But Abdullah Shafique, he looked like a Test batter. The way he anchored the innings with Rizwan, it was great,” Gavaskar remarked.
What’s particularly significant about this incredible performance is that it takes immense pressure off Babar Azam. The captain can now rely on a batting lineup that has proven it can deliver when it matters most. Gavaskar concluded, “Pakistan would have realized that they do not have to depend on Babar. And if Babar fails, there are other batters who are there to score the runs. And I think that is such an important thing for Babar himself because the pressure will not be on him that he has to score all the time.”
With these high spirits, Pakistan is gearing up for a colossal showdown against their arch-rivals, India, at Narendra Modi Stadium, where as many as 132,000 spectators can gather at once. The absence of Pakistani journalists and fans, due to visa issues, might create a unique atmosphere for the team, but it’s also a chance for the players to find motivation within themselves and make history.
As for their head-to-head record in the ICC World Cup, Pakistan has some catching up to do. They have crossed paths with India seven times and lost all seven matches. However, after recording wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in the ongoing World Cup, Babar Azam and his men are poised to break this losing streak against their fierce rivals in this highly anticipated showdown.
Cricket enthusiasts from around the world are eagerly awaiting the India vs. Pakistan clash, as Pakistan’s stunning chase has raised the stakes and set the stage for an epic encounter. With history on the line, all eyes will be on the players as they step onto the pitch, ready to create new legends and unforgettable moments in this thrilling rivalry. Stay tuned for the clash of the titans!
