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Babar Azam's 20th ODI ton propel Pakistan to landslide victory vs Sri Lanka

Akshita Patel

Pakistan dominate Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI [Source: @ICC/X.com]Pakistan dominate Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the second ODI against Sri Lanka to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series. Babar Azam stood out with a century in a 289-run chase.

Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman supported him well as Pakistan dominated the proceedings at Rawalpindi.

Sri Lanka had a steady start but lacked big partnerships

Sri Lanka lost the toss and had to bat, hoping to put up a big score on a flat Rawalpindi pitch. Openers Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (27) got starts, but neither could convert. 

Pakistan began with disciplined lines, especially Mohammad Wasim Jr and Abrar Ahmed, who kept things tight through the middle overs. 

Nissanka fell first, run out on 24 after sharp work from Rizwan and Wasim. Mishara followed soon, stumped for 27 as Abrar began to take control.

Sri Lanka were 62/2 when Kusal Mendis joined the crease, but he, too, couldn’t push on and became Abrar’s second wicket. 

Sri Lanka’s innings kept restarting without building momentum. Sadeera Samarawickrama (42) played fluently but fell at the wrong time, bowled by Haris Rauf. Captain Charith Asalanka lasted only seven balls, trapped lbw by Abrar.

At 98/4, Sri Lanka were in danger of falling well short. But Janith Liyanage and Samarawickrama steadied things with a 61-run stand, giving the innings some shape. 

Kamindu Mendis then lifted the tempo with an excellent 44 off 38 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive approach put pressure back on Pakistan’s bowlers. 

The real finishing touch came from Wanindu Hasaranga, who smashed an unbeaten 37 off just 26 balls. Thanks to his late surge, Sri Lanka reached a competitive 288/8.

Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s best bowler, finishing with 3/41, while Haris Rauf also picked up three wickets.

Babar Azam finally contributes to winning the cause for Pakistan

Pakistan began their chase with intent. Fakhar Zaman looked solid from ball one, timing the ball sweetly against both pace and spin.

Saim Ayub gave the innings early momentum with a breezy 33 off 25 balls, hitting five fours and a six before falling to Chameera. At 77/1 after 10 overs, Pakistan had already taken control.

Fakhar continued to dominate, reaching 78 before falling to Chameera. But by then, Pakistan were cruising at 177/2. From there, it became the Babar-Rizwan show.

Babar Azam played the anchor’s role to perfection, constructing a calm, unbeaten 102 off 119 balls. He finally ended his years-long century drought that lasted 83 international innings.

Mohammad Rizwan, meanwhile, complemented him beautifully with an unbeaten 51, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.

Their unbroken 112-run stand ensured Pakistan crossed the line comfortably in 48.2 overs. The 8-wicket victory gave Pakistan full control of the series as they secured an unassailable 2-0 lead.