In Rawalpindi, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the second ODI of the three-match series, completing a confident run chase that kept the home crowd thrilled until the final overs. Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s target of 289 runs for the loss of only two wickets, finishing the job in the 49th over. Spirit of Cricket!!
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Pakistan began their chase with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who provided a strong opening stand of 77 runs. Saim scored 33 before being dismissed. Babar Azam then joined Fakhar and the pair built a solid partnership of 100 runs, putting Pakistan in a commanding position. Solid knock in the chase - @iMRizwanPak reaches his 18th ODI fifty
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Fakhar Zaman was dismissed on 78 after playing an excellent innings. Mohammad Rizwan arrived next and supported Babar brilliantly, ensuring Pakistan stayed on track until the final runs were scored. 3
️⃣ wickets apiece for Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed 🏏
Pakistan are set a target of 289 in the second ODI 🎯
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Star batter Babar Azam played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 102, featuring 8 fours, while Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 51 that included one six and five fours. Their composed batting sealed a smooth and controlled victory.
Read more: Babar Azam joins elite club after crossing 15,000 international runs
For Sri Lanka, only Dushmantha Chameera managed to take wickets, claiming both dismissals. No other bowler was able to break Pakistan’s momentum.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka posted 288 for eight in their 50 overs. Jayanth Liyanage led the scoring with 54, followed by Commando Mendis with 44 and Sadeera Samarawickrama with 42. Kamal Mishra and Pathum Nissanka added 24 each. Wanindu Hasaranga played a helpful unbeaten knock of 37, while Pramod Madushan added 11 not out.
Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf each took three wickets, while Mohammad Wasim Junior contributed with one wicket. Their efforts kept Sri Lanka from reaching an even higher total.
With this victory, Pakistan have clinched the three-match ODI series 0-2, securing a comfortable lead with one match still to go.
Pakistan played with confidence and control in this match. The chase looked steady from the beginning, and Babar’s form made things easier. Sri Lanka struggled to take wickets and could not slow Pakistan’s scoring. Fans now expect Pakistan to finish the series strongly.
