Pakistan Seal Series with Dominant 8-Wicket Win Over Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI

Pakistan produced a clinical all-round performance to secure a comfortable 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off despite Sri Lanka’s promising start. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara added 51 runs for the first wicket, giving the visitors a solid platform. However, Sri Lanka failed to maintain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.

In the middle overs, Janith Liyanage and Sadeera Samarawickrama steadied the innings with a 61-run stand for the fifth wicket. Samarawickrama contributed a well-made 42, while Liyanage anchored the innings with a top score of 54. Later, Kamindu Mendis played a brisk knock of 44, putting on 73 valuable runs with Liyanage.

At the death, Wanindu Hasaranga (37* ) and Pramod Madushan chipped in with an unbeaten 44-run partnership, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive 288/8 in 50 overs.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed were the standout bowlers, picking up three wickets each.

In Chasing 289, Pakistan got off to a flying start, with Saim Ayub scoring 33 in a 77-run opening stand. After his dismissal, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam took control, putting together a crucial 100-run partnership. Fakhar scored 78 but was fortunate to survive three dropped catches from Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s chase faced little resistance afterward as Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar at the crease. The duo comfortably guided the team home, adding an unbeaten partnership with Rizwan scoring 51* and Babar Azam remaining unbeaten on 102, marking yet another century for the Pakistan skipper.

Pakistan reached 289/2 in 48.2 overs, sealing the match and the series with one game remaining.