Pakistan claimed a convincing 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. The victory gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and secured another home series triumph.
Pakistan chose to field first after winning the toss. Their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, restricting Sri Lanka to 288 for 8 in 50 overs. The visitors made a steady start with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara adding 51 for the opening stand.
However, Pakistan gained early control when Mohammad Rizwan ran out Nissanka for 24. Rizwan then removed Mishara for 27, putting pressure on the batting side.
Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum as spin bowler Abrar Ahmed produced two key breakthroughs. He dismissed Kushal Mendis for 20 and captain Charith Asalanka for 6. A 61-run partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage revived the innings briefly, but Haris Rauf broke the stand by removing Samarawickrama for 42.
Kamindu Mendis and Liyanage added an important 73 runs for the sixth wicket. Liyanage top-scored with a well-made 54, while Wanindu Hasaranga contributed a quick 37 off 26 balls to help Sri Lanka reach a competitive score. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf both claimed three wickets, while Wasim Jr. chipped in with one.
In reply, Pakistan started strongly. Openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman shared a 77-run partnership that set the tone for the chase. Ayub fell for 33, and Fakhar scored an impressive 78 before being dismissed.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then took charge with a match-winning 122-run stand for the third wicket. Returning to the ODI format after a long break, Babar delivered a superb unbeaten 102 from 119 balls, hitting eight fours. Rizwan added a valuable 51.
Pakistan reached the target in 48.2 overs with eight wickets to spare. Babar Azam was named Man of the Match for his outstanding century, which also saw him equal Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI centuries.
In other news read more about Pakistan to Bowl First Against Sri Lanka in Second ODI Despite Shaheen Afridi’s Absence
This victory also marked Pakistan’s second consecutive ODI series win at home, following their recent success against South Africa.
