Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam ended his two-year international century drought with a brilliant unbeaten 102, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
With this win, Pakistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Chasing 289, Pakistan reached the target in 48.2 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
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Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a strong start, putting together 77 runs in 9.3 overs before Ayub was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera for 33 off 25 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Babar joined Fakhar at No. 3 and shared a 100-run partnership, keeping Pakistan firmly in control.
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Fakhar scored 78 off 93 balls, including eight fours and a six, before being dismissed by Chameera in the 31st over.
READ: Pakistan secures thrilling win over Sri Lanka in ODI series opener
Babar remained unbeaten on 102 off 119 deliveries, striking eight fours, and then combined with Mohammad Rizwan to add an unbroken 112-run stand.
Rizwan finished on 51 not out from 54 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Chameera was the only wicket-taker for Sri Lanka, taking two wickets for 58 runs in 10 overs.
READ: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Series: H2H, Squads & Where to Watch
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to field first under stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha paid off, as Sri Lanka managed only 288/8 in their 50 overs.
Janith Liyanage top-scored with 54 off 63 balls, while Kamindu Mendis made 44.
While Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 42.
Kamil Mishara contributed 27 before being stumped off Abrar Ahmed, and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis scored 20.
Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf bowled brilliantly, picking three wickets each.
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Haris also trapped Dushmantha Chameera for a duck, while Mohammad Wasim Jr took one wicket.
Sri Lanka’s lower order, led by Wanindu Hasaranga (37 not out from 26 balls) and Pramod Madushan (11*), helped push the total to 288/8.
Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and commanding batting display ensured a smooth chase, giving them a series-winning 2-0 lead with the third ODI set to be played at the same venue on Sunday.
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Pakistan secure victory
Pakistan secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
11:00 pm -
Babar Azam scores century
Babar Azam scored his 20th ODI century and performed a heartfelt sajda, with the Pakistan team celebrating the historic milestone in style
10:57 pm -
Pakistan inch closer to victory
Babar Azam reaches 77 while Rizwan supports with 25. Pakistan inch closer to victory at 235-2.
10:12 pm -
Babar and Rizwan keep Pakistan on course
Babar Azam moves to 61 while Rizwan supports with 16, forging a 32-run partnership. Pakistan need 80 off 84 balls with eight wickets in hand.
9:55 pm -
Fakhar Zaman’s lucky streak ends
Fakhar Zaman departs for 78 off 93 balls, caught by Janith Liyanage. Pakistan lose a set batter but Babar Azam remains at the crease.
9:38 pm -
Babar Azam brings up his fifty
Babar Azam brings up a crucial half-century as Pakistan push forward in the chase.
9:23 pm -
Fakhar, Babar continue strong partnership
Fakhar Zaman moves to 55 off 73 balls as Pakistan reach 146/1. He and Babar Azam continue to build a strong partnership.
9:00 pm -
Fakhar Zaman brings up his fifty
Fakhar Zaman reaches a well-deserved 50 off 64 balls, guiding Pakistan to 130/1. His knock has been aided by a couple of fortunate drops.
8:45 pm -
Pakistan steady after Saim's wicket
Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam rebuild the innings after Saim Ayub’s dismissal. Pakistan reach 96/1 in 15 overs, needing 193 more to win.
8:20 pm -
Saim Ayub departs
Saim Ayub’s brisk knock ends as he miscues a lofted stroke straight to Asalanka at mid-off. The left-hander departs for an impressive 33 off 25, giving Sri Lanka their first breakthrough.
7:55 pm -
Fakhar and Saim dominate early
Pakistan’s openers continue their commanding start as Fakhar and Saim score freely across the powerplay.
7:45 pm -
Pakistan off to a blazing start
Pakistan’s openers have launched the chase in style, smashing 49 runs in the first five overs. Saim Ayub has led the charge with a flurry of boundaries, including a six off a free-hit, while Fakhar Zaman has provided steady support at the other end.
7:32 pm -
Sri Lanka posts 288
Sri Lanka finishes at 288-8, with Wanindu Hasaranga’s late blitz keeping the innings alive.
Abrar Ahmed starred with the ball for Pakistan taking 3 for 41.
6:30 pm -
Mohammad Wasim strikes
Mohammad Wasim Jr dismisses Janith Liyanage for 54, caught by Nawaz. Sri Lanka loses key wicket.
5:56 pm -
Haris Rauf breaks key partnership
Haris Rauf cleans up Sadeera Samarawickrama for 42, bowling a low skidding delivery. Pakistan strikes as Sri Lanka loses momentum.
4:55 pm -
Abrar Ahmed puts Pakistan on top
Abrar Ahmed strikes with two quick wickets, giving Pakistan the upper hand. Sri Lanka struggles at 99-4 as pressure mounts.
4:15 pm -
Mishara stumped
Kamil Mishara stumped on 27 off 39 by Rizwan off Abrar Ahmed after being deceived by a flighted googly.
3:40 pm -
Nissanka departs
Nissanka departs on 24 after a risky third-run attempt. Wasim’s sharp throw and Rizwan’s quick stump work secure the wicket for Pakistan.
3:25 pm -
Sri Lanka off to a solid start
Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka lead a solid start, both scoring 17 runs.
Haris Rauf concedes 26 runs in three overs without picking a wicket.
3:00 pm -
Pitch Report
Waqar Younis and Urooj Mumtaz note reduced grass and minimal early seam movement. Spinners and cutters are likely to play a bigger role as batters enjoy a truer surface.
2:20 pm -
Playing XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
2:05 pm -
Toss Update
Salman Ali Agha to lead the side. Pakistan have won the toss and opted to field first. Shaheen is unwell and Faheem too misses out. Abrar Ahmed and Wasim Jr come in.
2:00 pm -
Pakistan fans and players welcome Sri Lanka
Pakistan fans and players welcome Sri Lanka with open hearts ahead of today’s practice.
11:00 pm -
Mohsin Naqvi meets Sanath Jayasuriya
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi meets Sri Lankan Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, Captain Charith Asalanka, and the Pakistan team during his visit to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
10:30 pm -
Mohsin Naqvi met Sri Lankan players
Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the Sri Lankan players, thanked them individually for continuing their Pakistan tour, and assured them that their security is Pakistan’s responsibility.
10:14 pm -
Shoaib Akhtar thanked Sri Lanka
Shoaib Akhtar thanked Sri Lanka for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism.
1:30 am -
Second ODI rescheduled
The 2nd ODI will now be played on November 14 and the 3rd on November 16.
12:30 am -
Mohsin Naqvi tweets
“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour,” Tweets Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
11:30 pm -
Sri Lanka's cricket team reversed its initial decision
Sri Lanka’s cricket team reversed its initial decision to end its Pakistan tour early after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured of full security arrangements for visiting international players.
11:15 pm -
Sri Lankan players plan to leave Pakistan
Eight Sri Lankan players plan to leave Pakistan, creating uncertainty over the second ODI.
11:00 pm -
Sri Lanka Cricket orders players to complete Pakistan tour
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has instructed all players to complete the ongoing Pakistan tour.
10:20 pm -
Sri Lankan players expressed unwillingness
Sri Lankan players have expressed unwillingness to continue the tour, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is trying to convince them to stay with support from Sri Lanka Cricket.
10:00 pm -
Mohsin Naqvi met Sri Lankan High Commissioner
Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Siriweera.
7:00 pm -
Welcome to live coverage
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka second ODI.
After winning the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka by six runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan lead the series 1-0.
6:36 pm
