2nd ODI: Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan’s batsmen put on a masterclass in the second One-Day International (ODI), cruising to a comfortable 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka and clinching the three-match series 2-0 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night.

Chasing 289, Pakistan’s innings got off to a steady start as openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub built a solid 77-run partnership. Ayub fell for 33, caught by Charith Asalanka off Dushmantha Chameera, but the early loss did little to halt Pakistan’s momentum.

Zaman continued with confidence, scoring 78 off 93 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six, before he too fell to Chameera, this time with Janith Liyanage taking a spectacular catch. Babar Azam, who had been steady at the crease, joined the attack alongside Zaman’s departure, and together they put on 100 runs for the second wicket, inching Pakistan closer to the target.

Azam reached his 20th ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 102 off 119 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan added a brisk 51 off 54 deliveries. Their unbroken 112-run partnership for the third wicket ensured Pakistan reached the target with plenty of overs to spare. Babar Azam was named player of the match for his stellar effort.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a challenging total of 288 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Their innings began with a 51-run opening stand between Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (27).

The middle order was anchored by Janith Liyanage, who scored a determined 54 off 63 balls with two fours and a six, while Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed 42 runs off 52 balls.

A 73-run partnership between Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis, who made 44 off 38 balls, helped Sri Lanka recover from an early setback. In the final overs, Wanindu Hasaranga’s 37 not out from 26 balls and Pramod Madushan’s unbeaten 11 gave their total a late boost.

Pakistan’s bowlers, however, ensured the target remained achievable. Haris Rauf led the way with three wickets for 66 runs, Abrar Ahmed also claimed three for 41, and Mohammad Wasim chipped in with a wicket for 50 runs. Their disciplined bowling kept Sri Lanka in check and paved the way for Pakistan’s comfortable victory.

Teams

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, and Asitha Fernando.