Pakistan secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second one-day international in Rawalpindi on Friday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The sporting contest unfolded against a tense backdrop of significant security concerns, following a suicide bombing in nearby Islamabad earlier this week.
Security Tensions Overshadow Series
The match proceeded under a cloud of anxiety after Sri Lanka's cricketers had requested to return home on Wednesday for safety reasons. This plea came directly in the wake of the suicide bombing. However, the Sri Lankan cricket board issued a stern directive for the team to remain in Pakistan, warning of consequences if they departed.
In response to the escalating fears, Pakistan deployed army and paramilitary forces to ensure the protection of the visiting team. Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, gave personal assurances of the squad's safety to Sri Lankan Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon.
Azam's Century Seals Commanding Chase
On the field, Sri Lanka, who were put into bat first, posted a competitive total of 288. Their innings was built on several promising contributions. Openers provided a 51-run stand before Pathum Nissanka was run out. Sadeera Samarawickrama made 42, while Janith Liyanage scored a solid 54 and Kamindu Mendis added 44. A crucial 73-run partnership between Liyanage and Mendis provided the innings' backbone, with Wanindu Hasaranga finishing unbeaten on 37. For Pakistan, bowlers Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed were the standout performers, each claiming three wickets.
In reply, Pakistan's chase began aggressively. Saim Ayub (33) and Fakhar Zaman (78) punished the Sri Lankan new-ball attack, putting on a rapid opening stand. After Ayub fell to Dushmantha Chameera, captain Babar Azam arrived at the crease to play a patient, match-winning innings.
Azam's 20th ODI century, his first in 84 international innings across all formats, was the cornerstone of the successful chase. He combined first with Zaman and then with Mohammad Rizwan, with whom he shared a composed 112-run partnership. Rizwan remained not out on 51, bringing up his half-century in the penultimate over before Azam fittingly hit the winning run with 10 balls to spare.
Looking Ahead
The final ODI of the series will also be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Following this, Pakistan is scheduled to host a T20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, which is set to begin on Tuesday, as the international cricket calendar in the country continues amidst heightened security.
