Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan tons seal record win for Pakistan in World Cup

Abdullah Shafique marked his World Cup debut with a century while wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan played through the pain barrier for a masterful ton on Tuesday as Pakistan chased down a record target of 345 to defeat Sri Lanka in Hyderabad.

Shafique, 23, playing in only his fifth ODI, reached his maiden century off 97 balls. He had replaced the out-of-form Fakhar Zaman and was under even greater pressure when experienced fellow opener Imam-Ul-Haq got out early.

Pakistan had never chased a target of over 300 in a World Cup but they ended that run in style at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. The team in green showed nerves of steel after they were reduced to 37-2 in the eighth over, and well behind the asking rate.

Shafique and Rizwan made the most of glorious batting conditions, rotating the strike for the bulk of the middle overs before raising the tempo as they crossed the halfway mark.

Shafique looked barely in any trouble and his innings was cut short, on 113, only by a brilliant piece of fielding by substitute Dushan Hemantha who took an acrobatic catch at point. Shafique's innings lasted 103 balls and included 10 fours and three sixes.

His partner Rizwan was even more impactful, reaching his third ODI century off 97 balls. But unlike Shafique, he carried on despite severe cramping that required many visits from the physio.

It was a testament to his fitness that Rizwan carried his team across the finish line, having already kept wicket for 50 overs in the Hyderabad heat.

Rizwan deservedly hit the winning runs, remaining unbeaten on 131 from 121 balls with eight fours and three sixes, to go with his three catches earlier in the day. They finished on 345-4 in 48.2 overs.

Pakistan thus reached the highest ever target in