Rawalpindi: Star batter Babar Azam roared back to form with a commanding century as Pakistan cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, securing an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
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Chasing 289, Pakistan reached the target with 10 balls to spare, powered by a series of strong partnerships and a disciplined bowling effort earlier in the day.
Pakistan got off to a flying start, with openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub putting on 77 runs inside 9.3 overs. Saim struck a brisk 33 off 25 balls before falling to Dushmantha Chameera, who remained Sri Lanka’s only wicket-taker with figures of 2–58.
Fakhar continued to anchor the innings, crafting a well-paced 78 off 93 deliveries. He combined with Babar Azam for a crucial 100-run stand that kept Pakistan comfortably ahead of the required rate. Fakhar eventually departed in the 31st over, again to Chameera.
Babar, however, remained resolute. The former captain brought up his long-awaited international hundred — his first in two years — finishing unbeaten on 102 off 119 deliveries, decorated with eight boundaries.
He sealed the series for Pakistan by striking the winning runs and forged an unbroken 112-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. The wicketkeeper-batter contributed a fluent 51* off 54 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 288/8 in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat by stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha.
Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a steady foundation with a 51-run start before both fell in quick succession. Abrar Ahmed triggered a middle-order collapse, dismissing Mishara, Kusal Mendis (20), and captain Charith Asalanka (6) to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 98/4.
Janith Liyanage stood out for the visitors with a composed 54 off 63, while Saddera Samarawickrama (42) and Kamindu Mendis (44) offered resistance through important partnerships. Wanindu Hasaranga added late momentum with an unbeaten 37 off 26.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed each taking three wickets, while Mohammad Wasim Jr added one to his tally.
The final ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
