Eman 
ZeeaK 
Pakistan secured a decisive eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International (ODI) in Rawalpindi, clinching the three-match series. The match, rescheduled due to prior security considerations, saw Pakistan effortlessly chase down a challenging target of 289, highlighted by a majestic century from captain Babar Azam and a solid foundation laid by Fakhar Zaman.
Sri Lanka Innings: Resilience Amidst Spin Attack
Asked to set a score, Sri Lanka’s openers provided a decent platform with a 51-run partnership. However, their momentum was repeatedly broken by Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly the spin pair.
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Early Wickets: The initial stand ended with a run-out, quickly followed by the emergence of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. Abrar swiftly dismissed both Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis before trapping Charith Asalanka to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 98 for 4. Abrar finished with an impressive 3 wickets for 41 runs.
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Crucial Mid-Order Fights: Partnerships became vital for the visitors. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage shared a 61-run stand before fast bowler Haris Rauf broke through. Liyanage completed his half-century and, alongside Kamindu Mendis, engineered another valuable 73-run alliance.
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Late Assault: Despite losing Liyanage and Mendis in quick succession, a fierce late cameo featuring a 44-run stand between Wanindu Hasaranga and Pramod Madushan pushed the final score to 288 for 8, with Rauf also claiming 3 wickets for 66 runs.
Pakistan Innings: A Century of Confidence
In reply to 289, Pakistan’s batting lineup exhibited control and aggression, capitalizing on a wayward start from the Sri Lankan bowlers.
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Flying Start: Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub blazed to a 77-run opening stand in under 10 overs, benefitting from 11 wides conceded in the second over alone. Saim Ayub was eventually caught out, but the initial damage was done.
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Dropped Chances and Fakhar’s Fifty: The Sri Lankan fielding was notably poor, dropping Fakhar Zaman twice before he reached his fifty in the 22nd over. Despite surviving two more dropped catches, Fakhar finally departed after contributing a vital 78 runs, ending a commanding 100-run partnership with Babar Azam.
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Babar’s Century Drought Ends: The rest of the chase was clinical, steered by the partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Babar confidently brought up his half-century and, in a moment that ended an 83-innings drought in international cricket, reached his 20th ODI century in the 48th over.
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Victory Sealed: With Rizwan providing perfect support, Pakistan crossed the target in the following over, winning by eight wickets with plenty of balls to spare.
This dominant performance secures an unassailable 2-0 lead for Pakistan in the three-match ODI series.
Image credits : Cricbuzz
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