Overview
Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance in Rawalpindi as a brilliant
Babar Azam century powered the hosts to an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, sealing the ODI series 2-0 with one match still to play.
Babar Azam’s unbeaten 102 was the highlight of the day, giving fans a thrilling reminder of the elegance and consistency that once made him the world’s top-ranked batter.
Explosive Opening Stand Sets Up the Perfect Platform 💥
Chasing 289 for victory, Pakistan began aggressively. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub tore into the Sri Lankan bowlers, smashing a rapid 77-run partnership inside ten overs.
Cricket enthusiasts tracking updates on
ESPNcricinfo were amazed at how quickly the openers shifted momentum.
Saim’s quick-fire 33 from 25 balls featured powerful strokes, including five boundaries and a towering six, before he fell to Dushmantha Chameera.
The early assault changed the tone of the match, but the real control came when Babar Azam entered the crease.
The captain-in-waiting looked composed from the very first ball, giving fans hope that a long-awaited
Babar Azam century might finally be on the cards after nearly two years without a three-figure ODI score.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman Build a Match-Winning Partnership 🔗
With the introduction of Babar, Pakistan’s innings shifted from explosive to authoritative.
Fakhar Zaman continued to find boundaries, guiding Pakistan comfortably through the middle overs.
Their partnership frustrated Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who struggled to break the rhythm and build pressure.
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Many local fans following expert reactions on
NewsCloud.pk praised Fakhar’s rebuilding efforts alongside Babar’s calm guidance.
With Fakhar gone, Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar, and the duo took the chase home with supreme confidence.
Babar Century Ends Two-Year Wait in Style ⭐
The biggest story of the match was undoubtedly the magnificent
Babar Azam century. Throughout the chase, Babar showed remarkable timing, shot selection, and temperament.
He rotated the strike beautifully while punishing loose deliveries, keeping Pakistan’s chase perfectly on track.
After a long stretch without an ODI hundred, Babar finally reached his 20th century off 119 balls—sending the Rawalpindi crowd into a roar.
Updates on the
ICC website highlighted how this knock pushed Babar back into the spotlight among top ODI batters once again.
His unbeaten 102, decorated with eight elegant boundaries, reminded critics and supporters alike why he remains the backbone of Pakistan’s batting unit.
The Babar Azam century was not just a statistic—it was a statement of return, confidence, and authority.
Rizwan Complements Babar as Pakistan Cruise to Victory 🟢
While Babar dominated headlines, Rizwan played the perfect supporting role with a composed 51* off 54 balls.
Their unbroken 112-run partnership extinguished any hopes Sri Lanka had of a comeback.
Every single over pushed Pakistan closer to victory, and fans sharing live reactions on
NewsCloud.pk hailed the duo’s chemistry and maturity under pressure.
Pakistan eventually reached 291/2 with ten balls to spare, securing a comfortable and well-deserved victory.
Pakistan Bowlers Lay the Foundation Early 🎯
Before the heroics of the Babar Azam century, Pakistan’s bowlers had already shaped the contest.
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bowl first, and his decision paid off beautifully.
Sri Lanka began with promise through Nissanka and Mishara, but Abrar Ahmed’s spell changed everything.
The mystery spinner removed Mishara, Mendis, and captain Asalanka, choking the visitors’ momentum.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf bowled with fiery pace, claiming three wickets that broke the batting order in crucial moments.
Janith Liyanage’s steady 54 and Hasaranga’s late 37 helped Sri Lanka post 288/8, but it was always a below-par total on a flat Rawalpindi pitch—especially considering the form Babar and the top order carried into the match.
Why This Babar Azam century Matters for Pakistan’s Future 🏆
This Babar Azam century is more than a personal milestone—it’s a turning point for Pakistan’s ODI ambitions.
His return to big runs boosts the team’s morale ahead of several upcoming assignments.
Fans and analysts alike agree that when Babar scores big, Pakistan usually ends up on the winning side.
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The last ODI now gives them a chance to experiment with new combinations without pressure.
Conclusion 🏁
Pakistan’s clinical chase, built around a brilliant Babar Azam century, ensured a memorable ODI series win against Sri Lanka.
From explosive hitting at the top, steady middle-order partnerships, disciplined bowling, and Babar’s majestic return to form—this match had everything fans love about Pakistan cricket.
With one game remaining, the hosts can look ahead with confidence and momentum firmly on their side.
FAQs ❓
1. How many runs did Babar score?
Babar scored an unbeaten 102, marking a memorable Babar Azam century.
2. Who were Pakistan’s key bowlers?
Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf each grabbed three wickets.
3. What was Sri Lanka’s total?
Sri Lanka posted 288/8 in their 50 overs.
4. Who supported Babar in the chase?
Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 51 and built a 112-run stand with him.
5. Where can fans get detailed match coverage?
Coverage is available on ESPNcricinfo, the ICC website, and NewsCloud.pk.
