Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Highlights: Babar Azam Shines With Ton As Pak Clinch Series With A Match To Go

That's a wrap! Pakistan has sealed the series with a game to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series. The final game is scheduled for 16th November 2025, 9.30 am GMT. Tune in an hour early for pre-match buildup and updates. Thanks for joining us, cheers!

Pakistan's stand-in captain, Salman Agha, says that it was a complete batting performance from them and they had three solid partnerships to chase a sizeable total. Reckons that it was always a 320-330 wicket, so he was happy to restrict the opposition to about 290. He ends by saying that the crowd supports them wherever they go but they always turn up in numbers in Rawalpindi.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, took responsibility for Sri Lanka's loss, admitting they were short of the mark by 20-30 runs. He expressed disappointment with the top order's performance, citing a lack of big hundreds in the series. Asalanka also pointed fingers at the bowlers, highlighting the excessive wides and extras conceded, making it tough to recover on a pitch that was aiding the batters.

Babar Azam is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning century. Babar starts by saying that he is grateful to the Almighty and he was also waiting for this moment. Adds that he was getting starts and getting a few runs but those weren't up to expectations and he just tried to spend as much time as possible. Mentions that it is an honor for him to surpass a legend like Saeed Anwar and hopes to continue the good form going ahead.

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Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a fighting total of 288 runs after being asked to bat first. They got a solid start with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara adding 51 runs for the first wicket, but Abrar Ahmed's spell disrupted their momentum, claiming three wickets. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage rebuilt the innings, with Liyanage scoring 54 and Wanindu Hasaranga hitting an unbeaten 37 to close the innings. Pakistan's bowlers were led by Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf, who took 3 wickets each.

Sri Lanka's bowling effort fell short, with their spinners and pace attack struggling to contain Pakistan's batting onslaught. Dushmantha Chameera was the lone bright spot, claiming 2 wickets, while the rest of the bowlers failed to make an impact. Overall, it was a lackluster effort from the Lankan bowlers and the fielders, who failed to defend a seemingly imposing total.

Pakistan's chase got off to a blazing start, with the openers putting on a sensational 77-run stand inside the first 10 overs, setting the tone for the innings. Fakhar Zaman made the most of the opportunities presented to him, scoring 78, while also being gifted as many as three lifelines that he capitalized on. The top order fired on all cylinders, with two century partnerships, and Babar Azam finally scored a century after a gap of 83 innings in international cricket. Rizwan also chipped in with a half-century, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable win.

Pakistan have wrapped up the series with a convincing 8-wicket win in the 2nd ODI. Chasing a target of 289, they cruised to victory, thanks to a solid opening partnership and some classy batting. Babar Azam was the star of the show, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable win with his impressive batting display. The Pakistani team takes an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series.

That's it, it's all over and Pakistan have sealed the ODI series 2-0 with a game in hand. A juicy full toss, wide of the off stump and Babar Azam drives it to deep cover for a single. Pakistan win by 8 wickets and according to the on-air commentators, this is Pakistan's fourth bilateral ODI series win in a row against Sri Lanka.