The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team match scorecard has witnessed several memorable battles over the years, but one of the most dramatic encounters came during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The match played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on 10 October 2023 produced a record-breaking run chase, outstanding individual performances, and a thrilling display of modern ODI cricket.
Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 345 runs, recording the highest successful run chase in Cricket World Cup history at that time. The match showcased the brilliance of Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique, while Sri Lanka were left wondering how a dominant batting performance slipped away.
This article provides the complete scorecard, match timeline, statistics, expert analysis, and key moments from the historic Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash.
Match Summary
| Match Details | Information |
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Date | 10 October 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | 344/9 (50 Overs) |
| Pakistan | 345/4 (48.2 Overs) |
| Result | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Mohammad Rizwan |
Sri Lanka Innings – 344/9 (50 Overs)
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first. Their innings was built around a magnificent century from Kusal Mendis, who completely dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack during the middle overs.
Despite losing early wickets, Mendis played a fearless knock and formed important partnerships that helped Sri Lanka post a massive total of 344 runs.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
| Pathum Nissanka | 51 | 61 |
| Kusal Perera | 0 | 4 |
| Kusal Mendis | 122 | 77 |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 108 | 89 |
| Charith Asalanka | 1 | 3 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 25 | 34 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 12 | 12 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 10 | 8 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 0 | 2 |
| Kasun Rajitha | 14* | 14 |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 0* | 0 |
Extras: 1
Total: 344/9 in 50 overs
Pakistan Bowling Performance
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled against Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting approach.
Best Pakistan Bowlers
| Bowler | Figures |
| Hasan Ali | 4/71 |
| Haris Rauf | 2/64 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 1/66 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 1/62 |
Hasan Ali was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, but the rest of the attack found it difficult to stop Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Pakistan Innings – 345/4 (48.2 Overs)
Chasing 345 in a World Cup match was never going to be easy. Pakistan lost early wickets and were under pressure at 37/2. However, what followed was one of the greatest partnerships in World Cup history.
Pakistan Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
| Imam-ul-Haq | 12 | 12 |
| Abdullah Shafique | 113 | 103 |
| Babar Azam | 10 | 15 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 131* | 121 |
| Saud Shakeel | 31 | 30 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 22* | 10 |
Extras: 26
Total: 345/4 in 48.2 overs
Mohammad Rizwan’s Match-Winning Masterclass
Mohammad Rizwan played one of the finest innings of his ODI career. Under immense pressure after Pakistan lost two early wickets, he remained calm and guided the chase until the very end.
His unbeaten 131 runs included elegant drives, powerful shots, and excellent running between the wickets. Rizwan’s ability to control the chase proved why he is one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters in difficult situations.
Abdullah Shafique’s Brilliant Century
Young opener Abdullah Shafique delivered when Pakistan needed him the most.
His innings of 113 runs from 103 balls helped stabilize the chase and created a huge 176-run partnership with Rizwan. This partnership completely changed the momentum of the match.
Match Timeline – Key Moments
First 10 Overs: Sri Lanka Build a Foundation
- Pathum Nissanka provided a steady start.
- Kusal Perera was dismissed early.
- Pakistan looked in control during the powerplay.
Middle Overs: Kusal Mendis Takes Over
- Mendis attacked Pakistan’s fast bowlers.
- His century came from just 65 balls.
- Sadeera Samarawickrama supported him with a well-crafted hundred.
- Sri Lanka crossed the 300-run mark comfortably.
Pakistan’s Difficult Start
- Imam-ul-Haq departed early.
- Babar Azam failed to make a big contribution.
- Pakistan were 37/2 and facing a difficult challenge.
The Turning Point: Rizwan and Shafique Partnership
The third-wicket partnership changed everything.
- Abdullah Shafique scored his maiden World Cup century.
- Rizwan controlled the innings brilliantly.
- Sri Lanka’s bowlers failed to break the partnership.
Final Overs: Pakistan Complete Historic Chase
With Rizwan still at the crease, Pakistan finished the chase with 10 balls remaining and created a new World Cup record.
Key Statistics & Records
Match Records
- Highest successful chase in Cricket World Cup history: 345 runs (at that time)
- Highest Pakistan chase in ODI World Cups
- Highest partnership for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cups
- Two centuries in a successful World Cup chase for Pakistan
Head-to-Head Record – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (ODIs)
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has always been closely fought.
| Category | Record |
| Matches Played | 150+ |
| Pakistan Wins | 90+ |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 50+ |
| No Result | Multiple |
Pakistan has historically enjoyed an advantage, particularly in recent ODI encounters.
Top Players Who Defined This Rivalry
Pakistan Legends
- Inzamam-ul-Haq
- Saeed Anwar
- Shahid Afridi
- Kumar Sangakkara (Wait—Not Pakistan)
- Babar Azam
Sri Lanka Legends
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Mahela Jayawardene
- Sanath Jayasuriya
- Muttiah Muralitharan
Expert Analysis
From a cricket journalist’s perspective, the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan World Cup 2023 match perfectly represented the unpredictability of ODI cricket. A target of 345 normally puts a team in a dominant position, but Pakistan’s batting showed patience, attacking intent, and excellent game awareness.
Sri Lanka’s major concern was their inability to take wickets in the middle overs. Their bowlers allowed Rizwan and Shafique to settle, which ultimately cost them the match.
For Pakistan, the victory demonstrated the depth of their batting lineup and their ability to handle pressure on the biggest stage.