Summary:
Pakistan secured a decisive series victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, propelled by a magnificent unbeaten century from Babar Azam. His long-awaited hundred, alongside strong team batting and bowling, sealed the three-match ODI series with a game to spare, highlighting Pakistan’s dominance.
Ton-up Babar Azam spearheaded Pakistan’s charge to a series-clinching eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. This dominant performance sealed the three-match series with one game still to play. The former Pakistan skipper’s unbeaten 102 was a crucial highlight, ending an 807-day wait for an ODI century.
Ton-up Babar Azam: A Landmark Century
Babar Azam, who had faced scrutiny after 83 innings without a three-figure score, delivered a patient yet powerful 119-ball innings featuring eight boundaries. He reached his milestone century with a single in the 47th over, an emotional moment that saw him prostrate in celebration and embrace Mohammad Rizwan.
This century not only marked a personal triumph for Babar but also saw him equal former opener Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI hundreds for Pakistan. SindhNews.com extensively covered the significance of this milestone.
Mohammad Rizwan provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 54 balls, including five fours and a six. The pair forged an unbroken 112-run partnership for the third wicket, efficiently guiding Pakistan past the target of 289 two balls into the 49th over.
Pakistan’s Controlled Chase for Victory
Pakistan’s chase began with an explosive start from openers Saim Ayub (33 off 25 balls) and Fakhar Zaman, who raced to 77-0 in the Powerplay. Although Saim fell in the 10th over, Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a steady 78 off 93 balls.
Fakhar notably survived three dropped catches, proving costly for Sri Lanka and allowing Pakistan to maintain momentum. Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera was their only successful bowler, finishing with 2-58.
Sri Lanka’s Innings and Pakistan’s Bowling Prowess
Earlier, Pakistan had restricted Sri Lanka to 288-8. Haris Rauf was instrumental with the ball, taking 3-66 and picking up vital wickets during critical phases. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, returning to the squad, also shone with 3-41, ripping through Sri Lanka’s top order.
Janith Liyanage contributed a valiant half-century (56), supported by Kamindu Mendis’s counter-attacking 44 for Sri Lanka. The match, initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to Friday following a terror attack in Islamabad. Salman Ali Agha, captaining in place of the flu-stricken Shaheen Shah Afridi, had opted to bowl after winning the toss.
Conclusion:
This decisive victory, driven by Ton-up Babar Azam’s masterful century and strong all-round contributions from the Pakistani team, not only clinched the ODI series but also showcased their resilience. The triumph reinforces Pakistan’s strong position in the 50-over format and sets a confident tone for future engagements.