Babar Azam Ends Two-Year Century Drought as Pakistan Seal 2-0 Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Babar Azam Breaks Century Drought to Guide Pakistan to Series Victory

In a match that felt more like a batting showcase than a contest, Pakistan’s senior batsmen dismantled a modest 289‑run target set by Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The centerpiece of the chase was captain Babar Azam, who finally snapped an 83‑innings wait for an international hundred, finishing unbeaten on 102 off 119 balls.

Match Overview

Sri Lanka posted 288 for 8 after a shaky start that saw them lose early wickets. Their middle order, featuring Janith Liyanage’s half‑century, managed to inch the total beyond the 250 mark, but the flat pitch and wayward opening bowlers left the hosts vulnerable. Pakistan, with eight wickets in hand, required just ten balls to seal the win and did so comfortably, finishing at 289 for 2.

How Babar’s Century Changed the Narrative

Babar’s 102* was his 20th ODI hundred and, more importantly, it equaled Saeed Anwar’s record for most ODI centuries for Pakistan. After a tentative start (12 runs from 22 balls), he accelerated through the cover and mid‑wicket regions, scoring 61 runs in those zones and striking six of his eight fours. The Pakistani side never faced a genuine run‑rate threat, and Babar’s partnership of 100 runs with Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for a smooth chase.

Supporting Performances

• Fakhar Zaman contributed a solid 78 off 93 balls, anchoring the middle overs.
• Mohammad Rizwan added an unbeaten 52 off 51 balls, forming a 112‑run unbeaten stand with Babar to finish the game.
• Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a quick start, hammering 33 off 25 balls.

The collective effort meant Pakistan reached the target with eight wickets and ten balls to spare, securing a 2‑0 series lead with one match remaining.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles

From the outset, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were unable to apply pressure. Opening pacer Asitha Fernando bowled at an expensive 10 runs per over in the powerplay, while debutant Pramod Madushan gave away 19 runs in his first two overs. Their seam attack, including Dushmantha Chameera, failed to maintain disciplined lines, allowing Pakistan’s batsmen to settle quickly.

Fielding lapses further hampered Sri Lanka. Asitha Fernando dropped Fakhar Zaman on 21, and Liyanage dropped him again later, both at long‑off. Zaman was dropped yet again on 78 before finally being dismissed. Babar himself faced a close‑call early when a return catch was missed by Madushan.

Bowling Highlights from Pakistan

Leg‑spinner Abrar Ahmed emerged as the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 41, including key wickets of Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, and Charith Asalanka. Haris Rauf also contributed three wickets, two of which came in the death overs, curbing any late‑stage surge from the Sri Lankan tail.

Statistical Milestones

Beyond the century, Babar’s innings tied Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI hundreds for Pakistan, a milestone that underscores his consistent impact across formats. The partnership with Rizwan marked a seamless final push, with the pair scoring at a calm yet decisive pace in the last 15 overs.

Implications for the Series

With the series now 2‑0 in Pakistan’s favor, the momentum is firmly with the hosts. The remaining third ODI will likely serve as a formality, but it offers an opportunity for Sri Lanka to salvage pride and for Pakistan to test bench strength.

Looking Ahead

Babar’s return to centurion form not only boosts his personal confidence but also reinforces Pakistan’s top‑order stability ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The blend of experienced players like Rizwan and emerging talents such as Ayub suggests a balanced lineup capable of sustaining Pakistan’s competitive edge.

Overall, the Rawalpindi encounter was a textbook example of how a flat pitch, disciplined batting, and opportunistic bowling can combine to produce a decisive series win. Fans will undoubtedly remember Babar’s patient yet powerful hundred as the turning point that ended a long drought and propelled Pakistan to a convincing series triumph.