Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Series: Abrar, Babar Shine in Big Win
Pakistan showcased complete dominance in the ongoing Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI series, sealing the three-match contest with an eight-wicket victory in the second ODI at Rawalpindi. The match, postponed by a day due to security concerns, saw Pakistan chase down 288 with confidence and control.
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🏏 First Innings: Abrar Ahmed Leads Pakistan’s Fightback
Sri Lanka started positively with a 51-run opening stand. However, the momentum shifted once Pathum Nissanka was run out while attempting a risky third run. Abrar Ahmed took charge soon after.
Abrar Turns the Game
- Dismissed Kamil Mishara with a sharp googly
- Removed Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in back-to-back overs
- Reduced Sri Lanka to 98/4 with a brilliant spell
A 61-run stand between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage briefly revived the innings, but Haris Rauf broke through by uprooting Samarawickrama’s off-stump.
Kamindu Mendis injected positivity, adding 73 more runs with Liyanage. But Pakistan fought back again, dismissing both set batters in successive overs. Sri Lanka managed a late push with a valuable 44-run partnership between Wanindu Hasaranga and Pramod Madushan, finishing at 288/8.
🏏 Second Innings: Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman Master the Chase
Pakistan began the chase aggressively. Sri Lankan bowlers leaked wides early on, allowing Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub to capitalise. Despite multiple dropped chances, Sri Lanka couldn’t control the pressure.
Babar’s Century Ends Long Drought
- Fakhar struck a well-crafted 78
- Babar Azam smashed his 20th ODI century
- A 100-run stand powered Pakistan’s dominance
Even after Fakhar’s dismissal, Babar and Rizwan controlled the game comfortably. Babar’s century — ending his 83-innings drought — came in the 48th over, sealing Pakistan’s win in style.
Pakistan finished at 289/2, clinching the series 2-0.
📝 Brief Scores
Sri Lanka – 288/8 (50 overs)
Janith Liyanage 54, Kamindu Mendis 44
Abrar Ahmed 3-41, Haris Rauf 3-66
Pakistan – 289/2
Babar Azam 102*, Fakhar Zaman 78
Dushmantha Chameera 2-58
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI series highlighted Pakistan’s control in both bowling and batting. Abrar Ahmed’s brilliance and Babar Azam’s return to form were the defining moments of the victory. With confidence high, Pakistan now looks ahead to the final match aiming for a clean sweep.
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