Pakistan secured the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with an eight-wicket victory in the second match in Rawalpindi on Friday. Chasing a target of 289, Pakistan captain Babar Azam broke his deadlock, with a measured, unbeaten century, guiding the hosts to the target with 10 balls to spare. The win gives Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 series lead, setting up the final ODI on Sunday.
The match proceeded despite ongoing security concerns in the Sri Lankan camp following a suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier in the week. The team continued to play under protection, with the Pakistan Cricket Board deploying army and paramilitary forces after Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir assured the Sri Lankan Defence Minister of the team’s safety.
Babar Azam acknowledged the fan support that helped him break his century drought, saying, "The amount of support I got from my fans, not just in Islamabad but everywhere, was great... The fans, they never deserted me in my hard times."
After being put into bat, Sri Lanka posted a total of 288 for 8. The top order, despite showing promise, failed to convert starts, with Sadeera Samarawickrama, 42 falling short of a fifty. However, Janith Liyanage, 54 and Kamindu Mendis, 44 provided the innings’ backbone with a crucial 73-run stand, while Wanindu Hasaranga finished unbeaten on 37.
Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, both of whom claimed three wickets each, with Abrar being particularly imposing in the middle overs.
Pakistan's chase began with openers Saim Ayub, 33 and Fakhar Zaman, 78 punishing the wayward Sri Lankan new-ball attack. Although Zaman was dropped twice before eventually departing, he contirbuted to a vital 100-run stand with Babar Azam. Azam then stitched together an composed, 112-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, 52 not out.
The series victory provides a welcome boost for Pakistan, especially with the upcoming T20 tri-series, which features Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The final ODI will also be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Babar Azam’s return to form is a massive takeaway for the team, as Pakistan comfortably overhauled the target with the flat Rawalpindi track offering little help to the bowlers.