Pakistan claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the second ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 14 November.
Chasing 289, Pakistan reached the target with ten balls to spare, driven by a long-awaited century from Babar Azam. The former Pakistan captain ended his international drought with a superb 102 off 119 balls, striking eight boundaries in a controlled, match-winning innings. His century was his 20th in ODIs, taking him level with Saeed Anwar for the most by a Pakistani batter.
Most 100s for Pakistan in ODIs:
| Player | ODI centuries |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam* | 20 |
| Saeed Anwar | 20 |
| Mohammad Yousuf | 15 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 11 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 11 |
Fakhar Zaman provided strong support with 78 off 93 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six, while Mohammad Rizwan added 51 from 54 balls. Saim Ayub set the tone early with a rapid 33 off 25 balls, featuring five boundaries and a maximum. Sri Lanka’s only wickets came through Dushmantha Chameera, who removed both openers.
Earlier, Pakistan elected to bowl and restricted Sri Lanka to 288 for eight. Janith Liyanage top-scored with 54 off 63 balls, supported by Kamindu Mendis’ lively 44 from 38, which included four fours and two sixes. Sadeera Samarawickrama made 42, while Wanindu Hasaranga’s unbeaten 37 off 26 balls pushed the total close to 290.
Kamil Mishra (27), Pathum Nissanka (24), and Kusal Mendis (20) contributed useful runs, though the visitors were unable to build a decisive partnership. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf led Pakistan’s attack with three wickets each, while Mohammad Wasim claimed one. Nissanka was run out during the middle overs.
Both teams made changes from the first ODI. Pakistan brought in Mohammad Wasim for the unwell Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed returned in place of Faheem Ashraf. Sri Lanka replaced Maheesh Theekshana with Pramod Madushan.
Pakistan had won the opening match by six runs and will now look to complete a clean sweep when the sides meet again on Sunday at the same venue.
