In response to “Pakistan jeetega” shouts during the World Cup game against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, Rizwan claims it “felt like Pindi”

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel would have no cause to think they are outside of Pakistan if they closed their eyes for a moment following the completion of the 34th over of their record 345-run chase in a World Cup 2023 encounter against Sri Lanka. The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad was filled with loud “jeetega bhai jeetega Pakistan jeetega” cries that made Karachi, Rawalpindi, or even Lahore seem nearby. Rizwan had a sense of being in Pindi. “I thought I was taking part in a game in Pindi. The Pakistani squad as a whole, not just myself, had a lot of support from the audience today, according to Rizwan, the World Cup player of the game in the highest-ever run chase.

Not only Pakistan was affected. For the duration of the game, there was a sizable Sri Lankan contingent in Hyderabad, particularly while Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama were batting fiercely in the first innings. In actuality, they also backed Sri Lanka. mostly because I’m glad Hyderabad’s audience has backed Sri Lanka’s and our sport. I really enjoyed myself with them. The curator at this building told me the same thing. He told Rizwan, “You must hit two 100s on this ground,” as soon as we set foot on the field for the first time. Today, he and I also met. You should also pray for him, as we can, Rizwan said.

Pakistan’s record-breaking run vs Sri Lanka

Since their arrival in the city of the Nizams approximately a week before the World Cup, Pakistan has used Hyderabad as nothing less than a home away from home throughout this World Cup. Before beginning their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands, they played both of their exhibition games there. Pakistan’s early top-order loss was not a good start, but the manner they rallied in that game delighted the Hyderabad crowd.

The same applied to their next game against Sri Lanka. Both teams were met by a substantially larger audience as Pakistan and Sri Lanka put on a runfest. Sri Lanka scored a massive 344/9 thanks to Mendis’ quickest World Cup century by a Sri Lankan (122 off 77) and Samarwickrama’s first ODI century (108 off 89).

Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam were lost early for Pakistan, but Abdullah Shafique (113 off 103) and Rizwan (131* off 121) both scored century to easily defeat the record run chase, which was also Pakistan’s second-highest in ODIs overall.

“Hospitality, I’m sure you’ve all seen it. When we arrived at the airport, someone must have snapped photos. I’m sure you saw it. What you guys failed to see was how awesomely these gentlemen greeted us at the airport. The way the audience arrived, which everyone noticed today, and the way they sang with affection made me feel as if I was performing for the Rawalpindi crowd. Our Lahore venue is large and draws a sizable crowd, but this venue gave off the vibe of Rawalpindi. It seems that Pakistan’s match today is happening in Rawalpindi,” he remarked.

Pakistan’s next game against India will now take place on October 14 in Ahmedabad.