WATCH: Abdullah Shafique Emulates Shubman Gill Celebration After Maiden ODI Ton In Cricket World Cup 2023 Match

In a thrilling encounter in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan's young opener Abdullah Shafique left cricket enthusiasts awestruck with his debut century against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. Shafique's remarkable innings not only showcased his class and composure but also mirrored a celebrated gesture from Indian batsman Shubman Gill.

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Shafique's Heroic Rescue Act

The match began with Pakistan facing a daunting target of 345 runs set by Sri Lanka. The pressure escalated when Pakistan lost their top-order batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, early in the innings, leaving them struggling at 37-2.

Shafique and Rizwan's Magical Partnership

Abdullah Shafique joined forces with Mohammad Rizwan to engineer a spectacular recovery. Together, they unleashed an onslaught on the Sri Lankan bowling attack, treating the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium crowd to a display of exquisite strokes.

Shafique's Century in Style

Shafique reached his maiden ODI century in just 97 balls, marking the moment with an iconic leap into the air followed by a bow, imitating Shubman Gill's famous celebration. This gesture added an extra layer of excitement to an already enthralling contest.

Shafique's Dismissal

Just when it seemed like Shafique would carry Pakistan to victory, a moment of brilliance from substitute fielder Dushan Hemanta ended his innings at 113 runs off 103 balls, featuring three sixes and ten fours. Despite his departure, Shafique's century had breathed life back into Pakistan's chase.

A Debut to Remember:

Abdullah Shafique's remarkable debut century in a high-pressure match earned him a place in an exclusive club of Pakistani batsmen who have achieved this feat in a World Cup match against Sri Lanka. Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Saleem Malik are the other proud members of this club.

Resilience Under Pressure

As the required run rate soared, Shafique's composure under pressure was commendable. His partnership with Rizwan played a pivotal role in steadying the Pakistani ship and providing hope for their supporters.

Shafique's Impact on the Game

Throughout his innings, Shafique displayed impeccable timing and skill, repeatedly finding the boundary ropes. His ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed it the most was on full display.

Partnering with Rizwan

While Shafique was crafting his century, Mohammad Rizwan also played a significant role, reaching his half-century off 58 balls. Their partnership exemplified not only their batting prowess but also strategic play, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total.

The World Cup Debut that Rocked the Stadium

As the match unfolded, Shafique's century on his World Cup debut not only marked a personal milestone but also had the potential to change the game's course. The electrifying atmosphere in the stadium was a testament to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this young talent's remarkable performance.

In the annals of cricket history, Abdullah Shafique's maiden century will be remembered not just for its runs but also for the homage it paid to Shubman Gill's iconic celebration. It was a moment of pure cricketing magic that captivated fans worldwide, reminding us all of the beauty of the sport.