Babar Azam’s century powers Pakistan to series win over Sri Lanka

Babar Azam ended more than two years without an ODI century in spectacular fashion, crafting a serene, unbeaten 102 to steer Pakistan to an eight-wicket triumph against Sri Lanka in the second One-day International in Rawalpindi on Friday. The Babar Azam century vs Sri Lanka powered Pakistan to an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.

Under pressure after a prolonged lean patch, the former captain delivered when it mattered most. His innings, built on eight crisp boundaries and remarkable composposure across 119 balls, saw him draw level with Saeed Anwar’s Pakistan record of 20 ODI centuries.

The emotional moment arrived in the 47th over when Babar nudged Pramod Madushan into the leg side to reach three digits. Overcome with relief, he dropped to the ground in celebration before being embraced by Mohammad Rizwan, as the Rawalpindi crowd erupted in delight.

Rizwan himself played the perfect foil, controlling the middle overs with a fluency that produced an unbeaten 51 from 54 deliveries. Together, the pair stitched an unbroken 112-run stand that wrapped up the chase with four balls shy of the full 50 overs.

Pakistan’s openers had laid the foundation with a blistering start. Saim Ayub smashed 33 off 25 deliveries in a lively Powerplay, while Fakhar Zaman, who benefited from three dropped catches, constructed a valuable 78 off 93. Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding repeatedly relieved the pressure, allowing Pakistan to coast through what should have been tight phases.

Dushmantha Chameera stood out for the visitors with both wickets and a determined effort in his 10 overs, but he found little support. Hasaranga remained wicketless, and the rest of the pace attack struggled for consistency on a pitch that eased out after brief early movement.

Rauf and Abrar set up Pakistan’s position of strength

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers created the platform that made the chase comfortable. Haris Rauf once again delivered key breakthroughs, finishing with figures of 3-66. His late strikes prevented Sri Lanka from posting a commanding total after threatening to accelerate in the final overs.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, returning to the XI after missing the first ODI due to illness, made an instant impact. His 3-41 dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order, including quick wickets of Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, and ensured Pakistan controlled the middle phase of the innings.

Despite a spirited 50 by Janith Liyanage and a counter-attacking 44 from Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka were restricted to 288-8. Hasaranga’s brisk 37 not out added some respectability to the total but fell short of imposing.

The match, moved to Friday following security concerns after a terror incident earlier in the week, began with stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha choosing to bowl. The decision paid dividends early, with Pakistan’s pacers forcing a misjudged third run that saw Pathum Nissanka’s promising knock cut short. Abrar then took over, weaving his variations to leave Sri Lanka stuttering.

A 61-run partnership between Liyanage and Sadeera Samarawickrama revived the innings before Haris returned to break the stand with a pinpoint delivery that uprooted Samarawickrama’s off stump. Later, the Rauf-Abrar tandem again halted Sri Lanka’s progress as they aimed for a late surge.

Pakistan seal the series

With the bowlers having performed their part, Pakistan’s batters responded with authority. Babar’s calm mastery, Rizwan’s assurance, and a strong platform from Saim and Fakhar ensured the target was never out of reach.

By the time Babar guided the winning runs through the off side, the stadium was on its feet, celebrating not just a series victory, but the return of their premier batter to his majestic best.