Pakistan secured a commanding 8 wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 14th November sealing the 3 match series with a game to spare.
The win was powered by Babar Azam who ended his 807 day wait for an ODI century with an unbeaten 102 equalling Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI hundreds for Pakistan.
Babar’s composed 119 ball innings which included 9 boundaries combined patience with authority & provided the perfect platform for Mohammad Rizwan who contributed an unbeaten 51 off 54 balls as the pair shared an unbroken 112 run partnership for the 3rd wicket.
The chase got off to a flying start as openers Saim Ayub & Fakhar Zaman raced to 77 without loss in the Powerplay. Fakhar despite being dropped thrice anchored the innings with 78 off 93 balls while Saim contributed a brisk 33 before falling to pacer Dushmantha Chameera.
Sri Lanka’s fielding lapses proved costly allowing Pakistan to maintain momentum throughout the innings. Only Chameera made a dent finishing with 2-58 while other bowlers including Wanindu Hasaranga and Asitha Fernando struggled to contain Pakistan’s scoring.
Babar initially started cautiously but grew in confidence reaching fifty off 66 balls before accelerating with trademark cover drives and pulls. Rizwan’s intelligent strike rotation ensured the partnership remained steady and the winning runs came in the 49th over guided expertly by Babar off Asitha Fernando.
Earlier Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 288 for 8 with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed taking 3 Wickets & fast bowler Haris Rauf also took 3 dismantling crucial partnerships.
Abrar’s return to the side proved decisive as he struck through the top order while Haris broke a 61 run stand between Sadeera Sameerawickrama and Kamindu ensuring Sri Lanka could not mount a late surge.
Despite half centuries from Janith Liyanage & a countering 44 from Mendis Sri Lanka’s innings fell short reflecting Pakistan’s balanced bowling & fielding performance.
