SL vs PAK (2nd ODI) – Highlights
Pakistan’s dominance in ODIs at home continued in style as they powered to an eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Rawalpindi, sealing the chase with authority and ten balls to spare. On a flat deck that offered true bounce and full value for shots, both sides enjoyed periods of control, but the night ultimately belonged to Babar Azam, who anchored the chase with a masterful unbeaten 102 and walked away as Player of the Match.
SL, after opting to bat, began with measured aggression. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara negotiated the new ball well, rotating strike with efficiency and punishing width when offered. However, Pakistan’s fielding brilliance broke the stand as Nissanka was run out after a sharp relay effort from Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim, and Mohammad Rizwan. Abrar Ahmed then made the middle overs his domain. The leg-spinner dismantled Sri Lanka’s rhythm with crucial breakthroughs, removing Mishara and Captain Kusal Mendis to silence the early momentum.
Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage attempted to rebuild, stitching together partnerships that steadied the innings. Liyanage’s composed 54 and Kamindu Mendis’ brisk 44 gave Sri Lanka momentum heading into the last stretch. Wanindu Hasaranga provided the much-needed late acceleration with a lively 37 off 26 balls, taking Sri Lanka to a competitive 288 for 8. The visitors would have hoped for 300-plus after a solid platform, but Haris Rauf’s timely strikes in the death, including three important wickets, capped Sri Lanka’s total under par on a batting paradise.
PAK chase was clinical from ball one. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub set the tempo, dismantling Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack with contrasting styles. Saim’s early aggression injected urgency into the chase as he struck 33 off just 25 deliveries before falling to Chameera. Fakhar then shifted gears, controlling the innings superbly by picking gaps and driving elegantly on the up. His 78 off 93 helped set the perfect foundation.
What followed was a masterclass in ODI batting. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showcased patience, control, and shot selection under complete command. Babar brought up his century with trademark effortless timing, pacing the innings to perfection without ever allowing the asking rate to escalate. Rizwan complemented him with an unbeaten 51 off 54 deliveries, ensuring the chase remained smooth and risk-free. The duo executed boundary options when needed and rotated strike relentlessly, leaving Sri Lanka’s bowlers searching for answers.
SL attack, despite Hasaranga’s discipline, struggled to create meaningful pressure. Wayward lines and an inability to extract breakthroughs in the middle overs allowed Pakistan to dictate the tempo. The home side’s calculated professionalism was evident as they reached 289 for 2 in 48.2 overs, making a challenging target look routine.
With this win, PAK not only takes a commanding lead in the series but also reaffirms their confidence heading into the final ODI. Their balanced attack and consistent top-order form are shaping a strong template ahead of major tournaments.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Sri Lanka – 288/8 (50)
Pakistan – 289/2 (48.2)
Result – Pakistan won by 8 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Babar Azam
Babar Azam
SL vs PAK Playing Eleven
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando |
Pakistan | Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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