By Asif Naveed
RAWALPINDI (MNN); Babar Azam finally broke his 807-day wait for a One-day International century on Friday, scoring an unbeaten 102 to guide Pakistan to an eight-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory also secured the three-match series with one game still remaining.
Under scrutiny for going 83 innings without a century, the former Pakistan captain crafted a composed 119-ball innings, hitting eight fours. He reached the milestone in the 47th over with a single off Pramod Madushan, dropping to his knees in prostration before embracing Mohammad Rizwan. The Rawalpindi crowd erupted in celebration. With this hundred, Babar equalled Saeed Anwar’s national record of 20 ODI centuries.
Rizwan provided steady support, scoring 51 not out off 54 balls, including five fours and a six. Together, the pair put on an unbeaten 112-run stand for the third wicket, completing the chase early in the 49th over.
Pakistan’s chase started aggressively, with openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman racing to 77 without loss in the Powerplay. Saim contributed 33 off 25 balls before falling to Dushmantha Chameera, while Fakhar scored a resilient 78 off 93 balls despite surviving three dropped catches.
Sri Lanka’s fielding mistakes proved costly. Chameera was the only successful bowler, taking 2-58, while the rest of the attack struggled for breakthroughs on a pitch that eased after the initial swing.
Babar, initially cautious, reached fifty from 66 deliveries before accelerating with his trademark strokes. Rizwan took over strike rotation and reached his own half-century with a shot towards deep midwicket. Babar finished the match by guiding a full toss from Asitha Fernando through cover.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 288-8. Haris Rauf, who shone in the first ODI, claimed 3-66, delivering key breakthroughs whenever Sri Lanka threatened to build momentum. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed also excelled with 3-41, dismantling the top order.
Sri Lanka’s innings was steadied by Janith Liyanage’s fighting half-century and Kamindu Mendis’ 44, but regular wickets prevented them from pushing beyond 300.
Pakistan elected to bowl first, with Salman Ali Agha leading the side in the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Waseem Jr contributed early with a run-out and tight spells. Abrar’s return to the XI further strengthened Pakistan, as he removed Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka.
Sri Lanka found some rhythm through Liyanage and Sadeera Samarawickrama, adding 61 runs before Haris ended the stand. A later 73-run partnership between Liyanage and Kamindu gave Sri Lanka hope, but Haris and Waseem once again broke through.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s unbeaten 37 helped Sri Lanka reach 288-8, but it was not enough against a disciplined Pakistani batting unit led by Babar.
