ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated the Pakistan cricket team for clinching the ODI series against Sri Lanka, praising their performance as a display of cricket’s unifying spirit. He also commended PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his team for their efforts in supporting the national squad.
Babar Azam Shines to Seal Victory
Pakistan’s win in the second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was led by Babar Azam, who ended a two-year century drought with an unbeaten 102 off 119 balls. Babar’s innings, featuring eight boundaries, guided Pakistan to a comfortable eight-wicket victory while chasing 289.
He shared an unbeaten 112-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 51 not out, ensuring Pakistan reached the target with 10 balls to spare. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub provided a blistering start, combining for 77 runs in just 9.3 overs.
Read more: Babar hits ton to regain form as Pakistan win ODI series against SL
Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 288/8 in their 50 overs, with Janith Liyanage scoring 50 and Saddera Samarawickrama adding 42 in a fifth-wicket stand. However, timely breakthroughs by Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf dismantled the middle order. Dushmantha Chameera was the only Sri Lankan bowler to claim multiple wickets, finishing with 2/58.
The series win not only boosts Pakistan’s confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures but also strengthens cricketing ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.