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Babar Azam delivered a moment Pakistani fans had been waiting for—807 long days. Under lights at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the former captain struck a magnificent unbeaten 102 to lead Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI on Friday. The win secured the three-match series 2-0 with one game still to play, but the night belonged unquestionably to Babar.
A Milestone Two Years in the Making
The pressure on Babar had been mounting. Across 83 innings, he had failed to cross the three-figure mark, prompting debate among critics and fans. But on this night, in front of a roaring home crowd, he showcased the class and temperament that once made him the world’s top-ranked ODI batter.
He reached his 20th ODI century in the 47th over, nudging Pramod Madushan into the midwicket region and sprinting through for a single. As soon as he got there, Babar dropped to his knees in prostration, arms on the ground, eyes closed. The stadium erupted. Mohammad Rizwan rushed from the non-striker’s end to embrace him, acknowledging the enormity of the moment. With this hundred, Babar also equalled Saeed Anwar’s record for the most ODI centuries by a Pakistan player.
Rizwan’s Steady Support
If Babar provided the class, Rizwan delivered the composure. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 51 off 54 balls, playing the perfect support role. His five boundaries and a six ensured the scoring tempo never dropped. The duo added an unbroken 112-run partnership for the third wicket, taking Pakistan home with ease two balls into the 49th over.
Explosive Start From Openers
Pakistan’s chase got off to a fiery start thanks to openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. The left-handed pair raced to 77 without loss inside the Powerplay, putting Sri Lanka’s bowlers instantly under pressure.
- Saim Ayub: 33 off 25 balls
- Fakhar Zaman: 78 off 93 balls
Saim was the first to fall in the 10th over, holing out to mid-off off Dushmantha Chameera. Fakhar, though, continued the assault despite enjoying significant luck. He was dropped three times—once at long-off, once on a skied catch, and once behind the wicket. But he made those chances count, anchoring the innings until the 31st over when Chameera removed him with a sharp low catch by Janith Liyanage at midwicket.
Those dropped chances ultimately proved costly for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Fielding Collapse
Sri Lanka’s fielding was the difference between competitiveness and defeat. Their inability to hold onto straightforward chances allowed Pakistan to maintain momentum throughout the chase. Had they taken even half the opportunities offered, the script might have looked very different.
Ineffective Sri Lankan Bowling
Chameera stood out as the only effective Sri Lankan bowler, finishing with 2-58. The rest struggled for control and penetration:
- Asitha Fernando: 0-66 in 8.2 overs
- Pramod Madushan: 0-62 in 8 overs
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 0-35 in 10 overs
Even Hasaranga, known for troubling Pakistan, remained wicketless.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Restrict Sri Lanka to 288-8
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers once again demonstrated impressive discipline. Haris Rauf, fresh off his four-wicket haul in the first ODI, picked up 3-66. His wickets came at crucial junctures—each time Sri Lanka looked ready to launch a late assault.
Complementing him was leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, returning after missing the first match due to illness. He delivered a superb spell of 3-41, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order with deceptive variations.
Despite Pakistan’s control, Sri Lanka found some resistance from:
- Janith Liyanage: 56 off 56 balls
- Sadeera Samarawickrama: 42
- Kamindu Mendis: 44 off 38 balls
- Hasaranga: 37 not out
Liyanage and Samarawickrama rebuilt the innings after early setbacks, putting together a 61-run stand. But Haris Rauf’s timely strike—clean bowling Samarawickrama—halted their progress.
Kamindu then counterattacked with powerful strikes, adding 73 alongside Liyanage. However, Haris once again broke the partnership, having Kamindu caught at square leg. Waseem Jr removed Liyanage shortly after, and Haris trapped Chameera lbw to ensure Sri Lanka couldn’t push beyond 288.
Fielding Brilliance From Pakistan
Pakistan were sharp in the field. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Waseem Jr produced a brilliant relay effort to run out the in-form Pathum Nissanka for 24. Rizwan’s quick glovework accounted for Kamil Mishara. Abrar’s variations troubled the batting lineup, removing Kusal Mendis and Asalanka in quick succession.
Series Sealed, Confidence Renewed
For Pakistan, the victory wasn’t just about taking the series—it was about rediscovering confidence. Babar’s century, Rizwan’s calm presence, and the bowlers’ consistency paint a promising picture ahead of upcoming international assignments.
And for fans, the image of Babar dropping to his knees in gratitude will be the moment they take home from Rawalpindi—a reminder of why he remains the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket.
