PAK vs SL second ODI | Twitter impressed as Babar Azam powers Pakistan to series-clinching win

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ByVenkateswaran N, SportsCafe Editor

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Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the second of the three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi on Friday. Babar Azam anchored the chase with an unbeaten century, while Fahar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan also chipped in with crucial half-centuries as the home side took an unassailable 2-0 lead.

‌Babar Azam ended his run drought in style, anchoring Pakistan’s chase with an unbeaten century during their eight-wicket win in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Friday. The former Pakistan skipper scored his first 50-over century in almost 27 months, while Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan played their supporting roles to perfection with vital fifties as the home side took an unassailable lead in the three-game series.

After being put in to bat at Rawapindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka managed to make a formidable 288/8 despite being reduced to 98/4 inside 22 overs. Janith Liyanage led an inspired batting performance from the lower middle order, top scoring for the visitors with 54 off 63 balls. He added a 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Kamindu Mendis, who hit four fours and two sixes during his 38-ball 44. Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga’s (37*) late innings push helped the side close in on the 300-run mark. For the home side, leg spinner Abrar Ahmed was the pick among their bowlers with a spell of 3/41 in 10 overs, while pacer Haris Rauf continued his wicket-taking vein from the last game with three scalps.

The hosts had an excellent start to their run chase with openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar adding 77 runs inside 10 overs, with the former being dismissed in the last over of the powerplay after scoring a brisk 33. However, Fakhar and new batter Babar batted Sri Lanka out of the contest with their century stand for the second wicket to put the Men in Green in the driver’s seat. When Fakhar (78) was dismissed after a patient half-century, a knock which included eight fours and a six, Pakistan were left to score 112 runs in 115 ball with eight wickets in hand. However, the veteran duo of Babar and Rizwan ensured that the side did not lose another wicket, taking them to 289/2 with 10 balls to spare. Babar scored his 20th ODI century and remained unbeaten on 102 off 119 balls, a knock which included eight fours, while Rizwan was the aggressor, scoring five fours and a six in his 54-ball 51. Pacer Dushmantha Chameera was the only Sri Lankan bowler with a wicket last night, ending with figures of 2/58 in 10 overs.

 Century!

20th!

Pakistani Great

Babar Back

Strong Journey

Class!

Congrats!

Peak Babar

Zaman Blast

Babar Dominance

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