Pakistan seal ODI series as Babar's century guides 289-run chase against Sri Lanka
Cricket
Pakistan clinch the ODI series after defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Rawalpindi.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Pakistan on Friday completed a polished chase to secure the ODI series in Rawalpindi, reaching 289 for two in 48.2 overs after Sri Lanka had set a target of 289 earlier in the day.
A composed century from Babar Azam anchored the innings, while Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan built steady partnerships around him in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka posted 288 for eight in 50 overs. Jayanth Liyanage top-scored with 54 off 63 deliveries, supported by Kamindu Mendis with 44 off 38 and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who contributed 42. Wanindu Hasaranga added a brisk 37 not out from 26 balls, helping his side push the total beyond 280.
Pakistan’s bowlers controlled large phases of the innings. Abrar Ahmed finished with 3 for 41 from ten overs, Haris Rauf took 3 for 66, and Mohammad Wasim Jr added one wicket from his full quota. Their combined efforts prevented Sri Lanka from accelerating more aggressively in the later overs.
Pakistan’s reply began with a solid opening partnership. Saim Ayub scored 33 off 25 before his dismissal at 77, while Fakhar Zaman compiled a measured 78 from 93 deliveries. Babar Azam held the chase together with an unbeaten 102 from 119 balls, displaying unwavering control throughout the innings. Mohammad Rizwan joined him in the final stand, finishing 51 not out from 54 deliveries.
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Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled to find breakthroughs, with only Dushmantha Chameera collecting wickets, taking 2 for 58 from ten overs. Hasaranga conceded only 35 runs from ten overs, though the lack of support around him limited Sri Lanka’s ability to apply pressure.
Sri Lanka’s bowling card showed Asitha Fernando conceding 66 from 8.2 overs, Pramod Madushan giving 62 from eight, and captain Kirth Asalanka delivering six overs for 33. Liyanage and Kamindu bowled short spells without success.
Pakistan reached the target in the 49th over with eight wickets in hand, securing the ODI series with a commanding performance highlighted by balanced bowling and an authoritative batting display.
