Post by : Mara Khaled
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the second one-day international in Rawalpindi on Friday, securing the three-match series 2-0. The match took place amid heightened security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier this week. Sri Lanka had requested to return home over safety fears, but their cricket board insisted the tour continue.
Pakistan deployed army and paramilitary forces to protect the Sri Lankan team. Army Chief Asim Munir assured Sri Lanka’s Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon that the visiting players would remain safe throughout their stay. The strong security measures allowed the match to proceed without incident, giving fans and players confidence amid the tense atmosphere.
Sri Lanka batted first and got off to a bright start. Openers put on a 51-run partnership before Pathum Nissanka was run out trying for a risky third run. Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 42 but fell short of a fifty when bowled by Haris Rauf. Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis then steadied the innings with a 73-run partnership, while Wanindu Hasaranga remained unbeaten on 37. Rauf and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s chase of 289 runs started aggressively. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman attacked Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowlers, but Dushmantha Chameera removed Ayub for 33. Babar Azam joined Zaman and focused on rotating the strike, punishing anything short or wide. Several dropped catches by Sri Lanka helped Pakistan maintain momentum. Zaman scored 78 before being dismissed, setting the stage for a solid partnership with Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar Azam played a patient and composed innings, scoring his 20th ODI century and his first in 84 international innings. Rizwan contributed with a 51 not out, forming a 112-run partnership with Azam. The duo guided Pakistan to victory with 10 balls to spare, ensuring the series win. Azam hit the winning run, completing a memorable performance under pressure.
The final ODI will also be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Following the ODI series, a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Fans will look forward to more high-quality cricket, as Pakistan continues to build momentum and confidence in home conditions.
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