Babar and Rizwan shine in series-winning second ODI against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan led the charge as the home side defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the second ODI at Rawalpindi Stadium on Friday, clinching the three-match series with a thrilling chase of 289 runs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Pakistan limited Sri Lanka to 288 for 8, with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding preventing the visitors from mounting a late surge.

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub laid a solid foundation in the run chase, finding boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving. Babar and Rizwan then steadied the innings, combining experience and composure to guide Pakistan to a convincing series-clinching victory.

Sri Lanka’s innings was kept in check by a disciplined bowling performance from Pakistan, with Abrar and Haris picking up three wickets each to contain the opposition batters. Despite some resistance from Sri Lanka’s middle order, Pakistan’s bowlers consistently struck at key moments to maintain pressure.

The match now hinges on Pakistan’s ability to chase 289 to seal a crucial victory in the three-match series. Team management will rely on their top-order batters to navigate the target and give Pakistan an edge in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Janith Liyanage (R) celebrates with Kamindu Mendis after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the second one-day international (ODI) against Pakistan. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first as they look to build on their six-run victory in the opening match, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan in the second ODI in place of Shaheen Afridi, who is sidelined with a fever.

The ODIs serve as a warm-up for the upcoming tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, scheduled to start on November 18.

Despite the anxieties and pressure after the suicide bombing, both teams returned to the field, determined to focus on cricket.

Pakistan’s roster looks good for the match, Salman Ali Agha will once again be the center of attention, and other batsmen will also have to play a full role in the victory. Spinner Abrar Ahmed is back in the team as well after missing the first match due to illness. Sports Desk