Iconic Pakistani batter Babar Azam ended his long wait for an ODI century, scoring an unbeaten 102 to steer Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over the Sri Lanka national cricket team in the second match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The win sealed the three-match series for Pakistan with one game to spare.
Playing in front of a home crowd under pressure, Babar carried the chase with poise. Coming in after a brisk start, he built a crucial 112-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (51*) to guide Pakistan across the finish line. His landmark hundred marked his twentieth ODI century, equalling the record held by 🇵🇰 legend Saeed Anwar.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers set the tone by restricting Sri Lanka to 288-8. The spin duo of Abrar Ahmed (3-41) and pacer Haris Rauf (3-66) delivered key breakthroughs when Sri Lanka looked dangerous. Pakistani openers laid the platform with a slick chase, but it was Babar’s composed captain-like knock that sealed the series.
The victory offers a huge boost for Pakistan as they rebuild confidence in their batting and chase capability. For Babar, the century signals a fresh chapter in his career, putting past criticism aside and reaffirming his place among cricket’s top performers.
