Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the second ODI in Rawalpindi to win the three-match ODI series 2-0. The match was originally scheduled for Thursday but was postponed a day due to security reasons. After restricting the visitors to 288, Pakistan easily won thanks to a century from Babar Azam and a half-century from Fakhar Zaman. Babar Azam scored an ODI century after more than two years. This was his 20th international century, which came after 83 innings.
98/4 despite a good start
Sri Lanka’s openers, who lost the toss and came to bat first, laid a strong foundation with a 51-run partnership. Sri Lanka suffered its first blow when Pathum Nissanka was run out while trying to take a third run in the 10th over. After this, in the 14th over, Abrar Ahmed’s googly stumped Kamil Mishara. Then Kusal Mendis also got out on Abrar’s ball in the 20th over. Abrar gave another blow by dismissing Charith Asalanka just one over later and Sri Lanka’s score became 98/4.
Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage then added 61 runs for the fifth wicket. Samarawickrama was clean bowled by Haris Rauf in the 32nd over. Liyanage and Kamindu then added another crucial 73-run partnership. However, Pakistan dismissed Kamindu and Liyanage in consecutive overs. Sri Lanka were 241/7 after the 44th over. Dushmantha Chameera was then trapped LBW by Rauf, but a brilliant 44-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Wanindu Hasaranga and Pramod Madushan helped Sri Lanka reach 288/8 after 50 overs.
Chasing a target of 289, Pakistan got off to a good start. Madushan bowled 11 wides in the second over and the fielding was also quite poor. Asitha Fernando failed to capitalize on Fakhar’s chance in the seventh over. Just two overs later, Liyanage dropped Fakhar’s catch again. Pakistan suffered its first blow in the 10th over when Ayub was caught at mid-off at the score of 77. Fakhar completed his half-century in the 22nd over. Sri Lanka continued to miss opportunities.
Babar completed his half-century in the 31st over, after which Fakhar hit a 98-meter long six over mid-wicket. He was then caught out. Fakhar and Babar shared a 100-run partnership. Babar and Rizwan stayed till the end and ensured Pakistan’s victory with 10 balls to spare. Babar scored his 20th ODI century in the 48th over, ending his century drought of 83 innings in international cricket. Babar remained unbeaten on 102 runs while Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 51 runs.