Key Points
- Pakistan sealed the ODI series 2-0 with an 8-wicket win powered by a 112-run unbroken stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
- Babar ended his 807-day century drought with a composed 102*.
- Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed shared six wickets to keep Sri Lanka to 288 despite middle-order resistance.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan sealed the three-match series 2-0 against Sri Lanka with an emphatic 8-wicket victory in the second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. The match, set at a target of 289 runs, was finished off with ease by Pakistan, thanks to an unbroken 112-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar Azam finally brought an end to his long-running international century drought, crafting a composed and anchoring knock against Sri Lanka. The former captain reached his much-awaited hundred, his first in 807 days, with a single off Pramod Madushan, completing the milestone in 115 balls. Babar had not scored an international century since his 2023 Asia Cup ton against Nepal, despite producing several half-centuries across formats during the lean period.
The drought-ending knock marked Babar’s 32nd international century and his 20th in ODIs. He now holds nine Test tons and three T20I hundreds, along with 104 half-centuries, reaffirming his status as one of modern cricket’s most prolific run-scorers.
Chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 288, Pakistan reached their target in 48.2 overs, finishing at 289/2. With Babar Azam anchoring the chase with a steady 102 not out from 119 balls, and Mohammad Rizwan adding a crucial 51 not out from 54 balls, the pair steered Pakistan home with 10 balls to spare.
The roar. The noise. The celebrations. 🔥@babarazam258 has done it! A moment to savour for Rawalpindi 👏
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvSL | #JeetKaScene | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/LnpJV1Puk3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2025
The victory came after Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub had contributed with solid starts earlier in the innings. Fakhar’s 78 from 93 balls and Saim’s 33 from 25 balls helped put Pakistan in a commanding position. However, it was the partnership between Babar and Rizwan that sealed the series for the hosts, with both batters showing excellent composure and timing during the chase.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had set a competitive target, with contributions from Janith Liyanage (54), Sadeera Samarawickrama (42), and Kamindu Mendis (44). Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late boost with a quick-fire 37 not out. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, kept Sri Lanka’s progress in check, restricting them to 288/8 in their 50 overs.
Well done, Green Shirts! 💚
Thank you, Sri Lanka.Would like to congratulate our national team on winning the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Today was a victory not only for Pakistan’s peaceful and vibrant atmosphere, but also for the strong friendship between Pakistan and Sri…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 14, 2025
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf claimed 3 wickets for 66 runs, while Abrar Ahmed continued his solid form with 3 wickets for 41 runs. Despite some resistance from Sri Lanka’s middle-order, the total was ultimately not enough to stop Pakistan, as they completed the chase with relative ease.
With this series-clinching win, Pakistan now looks forward to wrapping up the series in the third ODI on Sunday, while Sri Lanka will aim to salvage a win and avoid a series whitewash.
