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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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Babar Azam Equals ODI Centuries Record for Pakistan

Star batter Babar Azam ended his long wait for a century with a superb ton against Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Rawalpindi. His latest knock also helped him match Pakistan’s ODI centuries record.

Two-Year Drought Finally Ends

Babar scored his hundred after a gap of more than two years. He reached the milestone in 115 balls with a single off Pramod Madushan.
The drought had lasted 807 days, creating pressure on the star batter. He often reached solid starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

Recent Performances Before the Century

In the first ODI of the series, Babar showed confidence but fell to Wanindu Hasaranga for 29 runs.
That innings increased his tally of 83 innings without a century, placing him level with Virat Kohli on a list topped by Sanath Jayasuriya.

Milestone 84th Innings Brings Relief

His 84th innings since his last century finally brought joy.
The ton marked his 32nd international century and 20th in ODIs.
He now holds nine Test centuries and three T20I centuries.
Along with 32 centuries, Babar also has 104 half-centuries across formats.

Matches Saeed Anwar’s Historic ODI Record

By scoring this century, Babar Azam equalled Saeed Anwar’s ODI centuries record.
Anwar scored 20 centuries in 244 innings.
Babar achieved the same figure in only 136 innings, highlighting his exceptional consistency.

Babar Azam’s Place in Pakistan Cricket

The Babar Azam ODI centuries record further strengthens his standing as one of Pakistan’s greatest modern batters.
His latest ton also boosts his confidence ahead of future international assignments.

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Series: Abrar, Babar Seal Win