Babar Azam’s Century Leads Pakistan to 2-0 Series Win

 

Alt Text: "Pakistan cricket team celebrating 2nd ODI win against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi"

Babar Azam’s Century Leads Pakistan to 2-0 Series Win

Babar Azam has officially announced his comeback — and what a way to do it! After more than 800 days without an international century, the Pakistani captain returned to form in style, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 102 in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka. His knock not only sealed the match but also secured a commanding 2-0 series lead for Pakistan.


🏏 Match Overview

The 2nd ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was played at Rawalpindi, where Sri Lanka opted to bat first and posted a competitive 288/8. Pakistan chased down the target of 289 comfortably in 48.2 overs, winning by eight wickets and taking an unassailable lead in the series.


🌟 Babar Azam’s Comeback Hundred

This match belonged to Babar Azam.

  • He scored 102 off 119 balls*

  • Ended his 807-day century drought

  • Played a calm, composed, and perfectly paced innings

  • Equaled Saeed Anwar’s ODI century record

  • Anchored Pakistan throughout the chase

Babar’s innings was filled with classic cover drives, elegant flicks, and his trademark timing. He came in under pressure after a quick wicket but settled the innings with confidence and authority.


Alt Text: "Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman building strong opening partnership for Pakistan in 2nd ODI versus Sri Lanka"

🤝 Strong Opening — Fakhar & Babar Partnership

After the early wicket of Saim Ayub, Pakistan needed stability — and it came from a brilliant partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam.

  • Fakhar Zaman: 78 (93)

  • Babar Azam: Anchored from the other end

  • Partnership: 100+ runs

Fakhar’s aggressive innings kept the run rate steady, while Babar kept rotating strike. This partnership laid the perfect platform for Pakistan’s chase.


🤝 Match-Winning Stand — Babar & Rizwan Partnership

Once Fakhar departed, it was time for Babar and Mohammad Rizwan to take control.

  • Rizwan: 51* (54)

  • Partnership: 112* runs

This stand completely shut down Sri Lanka’s hopes. The way both players controlled the middle overs showed their maturity and understanding. Rizwan supported Babar perfectly, allowing him to reach his long-awaited century in style.

🔥 Pakistan Bowlers Set Up the Win

Pakistan’s bowlers did a fantastic job in restricting Sri Lanka to under 300 on a good batting pitch.

⭐ Key Bowling Performers:

Abrar Ahmed

  • Took crucial wickets in the middle overs

  • Broke partnerships

  • Controlled the run flow

Haris Rauf

  • Bowled with pace and aggression

  • Important breakthroughs in early overs

Wasim Jr & Faheem Ashraf

  • Bowled tight overs at the death

  • Reduced Sri Lanka’s finishing power

Sri Lanka looked strong at times, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept pulling them back, ensuring the target stayed within reach.

🧠 Why This Century Matters

Babar’s century wasn’t just a score — it was a message.

  • Pressure? Managed.

  • Criticism? Silenced.

  • Leadership? Stronger than ever.

He stayed on the pitch till the very end, finishing the chase like a true match-winner.


🟢 Pakistan Secures 2-0 Series Lead

With this victory, Pakistan takes an unbeatable lead in the ODI series.
The team looks balanced, confident, and hungry for a clean sweep.


🔚 Conclusion

This match will be remembered for:

  • Babar Azam’s emotional comeback

  • Two brilliant partnerships

  • Strong bowling performance

  • Pakistan’s dominant chase

Babar Azam’s return to form has boosted Pakistan’s confidence massively — and fans now expect another big performance in the 3rd ODI.


Your Thoughts?

What did you like more — Babar–Fakhar partnership or Babar–Rizwan match-winner?


Alt Text: "Babar Azam celebrating unbeaten 102-run century against Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI"

 


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