Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique smashes century on World Cup debut
Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique has slammed his maiden century in One-Day Internationals. The right-handed batter reached the three-figure mark against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Shafique shared a century stand with Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam while chasing 345. Notably, this is Shafique's maiden World Cup appearance.
A defiant knock from Shafique
Opener Shafique remained unscathed as Pakistan lost Imam and skipper Babar for just 37 runs. He didn't let the Lankans mount further pressure and played a defiant knock. Shafique took Pakistan past 150 along with Rizwan. The former reached his century off just 97 balls in the 32nd over. He smacked 8 fours and 3 sixes en route to his ton.
First Pakistani to score century on World Cup debut
As per statistician Bharath Seervi, Shafique has become the first Pakistan player to score a century on World Cup debut. He broke the record of Mohsin Khan, who previously held the highest score for Pakistan on World Cup debut (82 v Sri Lanka, 1983).
Shafique replaced Fakhar Zaman
As mentioned, youngster Shafique made his World Cup debut in the Sri Lanka game. He replaced senior batter Fakhar Zaman, who has had ordinary returns in the format of late. The latter smashed just 12 against the Netherlands in Pakistan's World Cup opener.
Shafique attains these feats
As per Cricbuzz, Shafique has become the fourth Pakistan batter to score a century against Sri Lanka in the World Cup. Imran Khan (1983), Javed Miandad, (1987), and Saleem Malik (1987) are the others. At 23 years and 324 days, Shafique is the second-youngest Pakistani to score a ton in the World Cup. Imam tops this tally (at 23y 195d vs BAN, 2019).
