NEW DELHI: When chips were down you need an extraordinary effort for the much needed impetus and Sri Lanka substitute fielder Dushan Hemantha produced that special moment during the ODI World Cup match against Pakistan in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Abdullah Shafique was breathing fire with his century knock before Hemantha's absolute blinder at backward point left him in disbelief.
The incident took place in the 34th over when Shafique played Matheesha Pathirana delivery in the air and Hemantha dived full length to his right and grabbed a stunner to end Pakistani batter’s innings at 113 off 103 balls.
The 23-year-old batter, playing in only his fifth ODI, reached his maiden century off 97 balls with eight fours and three sixes.
Shafique, who replaced the out-of-form Fakhar Zaman, is one of the sport's hottest prospects after he made 201 in a Test match against Sri Lanka in July.
Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 81 runs also in their first World Cup match in Hyderabad on Friday.
Earlier, Kusal Mendis smashed the fastest century for Sri Lanka in a World Cup match, guiding his team to an imposing 344-9.
The 28-year-old cracked a 65-ball century before going on to make 122, his highest score in ODIs and third century.
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