RAWALPINDI: Pakistan secured an 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of their three-match ODI series, taking a decisive 2-0 lead in the series.
The match was held in Rawalpindi, where Sri Lanka batted first and set a target of 289 runs. Pakistan successfully chased down the total in the 49th over, losing only two wickets. Sri Lanka’s innings began with an early setback as four wickets fell for 98 runs. However, Chamika Karunaratne and Jeneath Liyanage built a crucial partnership, adding 61 runs before Karunaratne was dismissed for 42.
Later, Liyanage and Dhananjaya de Silva steadied the innings with a 73-run partnership, with de Silva scoring 44. In the final overs, Wanindu Hasaranga played a valuable cameo of 37* off 37 balls, helping Sri Lanka reach 288 runs for 8 wickets. Pakistan’s bowlers, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, each took three wickets, providing crucial breakthroughs.
Chasing the target, Pakistan got off to a strong start with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub forming a 77-run partnership. Saim scored 33 before falling. Fakhar made a significant contribution of 78 runs.
Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then anchored the innings with responsible batting, guiding Pakistan to victory with two balls to spare. Babar remained unbeaten on 102, while Rizwan scored 51.
Today’s match saw Salman Ali take over the captaincy in place of Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan now leads the series 2-0, with the final ODI scheduled for November 16.
