'Sometimes cramps and sometimes acting' - Match winner Mohammad Rizwan jokes after sensational hundred against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup

Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan played a brilliant match-winning knock of 131 not out against Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup 2023. The right-hand batter played through a leg cramp to bring Pakistan the highest run chase in ODI World Cup history. 

After winning the match, Rizwan had this to say, "Always a proud moment for me whenever you perform for your country. I am speechless at this moment. It was difficult. The thing was that after the bowling innings we went back and everyone was confident. Unluckily, they got Babar Azam early but we got good partnerships after that. It's a good track, was supporting to us. I told Shafique to take it step by step. Sometimes cramps and sometimes I was acting (chuckles)."

Watch Rizwan battling leg cramps during Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match: 

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Pakistan's brilliant batting on display

The Men in Green must have been disappointed with their bowling in the first inning as Shaheen Afridi and co. fared poorly against Sri Lanka's batting order. Kusal Mendis breathed fire against Pakistan in the first inning, hitting 122 runs in just 77 balls. He hit 14 fours and 6 sixes to outclass all of Pakistan's bowling. 

Sadeera Samarawickrama joined Mendis in taking Sri Lanka to a huge 344 runs total with his 108 off 89. Babar Azam had no answers for the onslaught that Sri Lanka batters launched on the Pakistan bowlers. As a result of Sri Lanka's brilliant batting, Pakistan were subjected to the highest team total against them in a World Cup match. 

Few expected Pakistan to chase down the huge target but that is what happened. After the opener, Imam-ul-Haq failed, the youngster Abdullah Shafique took charge of Pakistan's batting and set a good platform for the run chase. Captain Babar Azam also failed to showcase his usual batting brilliance. His wicket made way for Mohammad Rizwan who never set a wrong foot in the run chase and made sure to take Pakistan over the line in what is one of the best run chases in ODI cricket history.