Pakistan clinched the ODI series with a dominant 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second match. Pakistan successfully chased a 289-run target in the 49th over with two wickets down, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
The match, played at Rawalpindi, saw Pakistan opting to field first after giving Sri Lanka the opportunity to bat. The visitors struggled early, losing their first four wickets for 98 runs. A 61-run partnership between Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage steadied the innings before Samarawickrama was dismissed for 42.
Liyanage continued to anchor the innings, adding 73 runs for the sixth wicket with Kusal Mendis, who scored 44. Liyanage contributed a well-made 54 before getting out.
In the final overs, Wanindu Hasaranga lifted Sri Lanka’s total with a brisk unbeaten 37, helping the team reach 288/8 in their 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf were the standout performers with the ball, taking three wickets each.
Chasing 289, Pakistan started confidently as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub put on a strong 77-run opening partnership. Saim scored 33, while Fakhar added 78 before being dismissed.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then carried Pakistan home with a composed and unbeaten partnership. Babar scored 102 not out, equalling the record for the most ODI centuries by a Pakistani batter. Rizwan supported him with 51 not out.
Pakistan reached the target at 289/2 in the 49th over, sealing the series with a decisive victory. With regular captain Shaheen Shah Afridi rested, Salman Ali Agha led the side in this match.
The third and final ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 16 November.
