Babar Breaks Century Drought to Help Pakistan Clinch Series
Pakistan celebrated a triumphant night in Rawalpindi as Babar Azam ended his long-awaited century drought, powering the hosts to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. Chasing 289, Pakistan’s senior batting lineup delivered a masterclass in composure, timing, and precision to seal the ODI series 2-0 with one game left. The match brought together a blend of individual brilliance and flawless teamwork, ultimately confirming Pakistan’s rising form in the format.
Babar Azam’s Return to Brilliance
Babar Azam’s unbeaten 102 off 119 balls was more than just a statistical achievement. It was a symbolic moment that marked the return of Pakistan’s most reliable run-getter. Having last reached three figures in May 2023, he endured an 83-innings wait for another international hundred. Such droughts are rare for a batter of his class, but the way he responded spoke volumes about his temperament.
His innings featured immaculate stroke play, especially through cover and midwicket, the two zones where he accumulated the bulk of his runs. Each shot felt deliberate rather than forced, a clear indicator that he had regained the fluency that made him one of the world’s top ODI batters. With this century, he also equalled Saeed Anwar’s legendary record of 20 ODI hundreds for Pakistan, an achievement that cements his growing legacy in the format.
A Chase That Never Looked in Doubt
From the very beginning, Pakistan’s approach to the chase radiated confidence. Saim Ayub set the tone with a breezy 33 off 25 balls, putting Sri Lanka’s bowlers under immediate pressure. The aggressive start meant Pakistan were always ahead of the required rate, forcing the visitors into early tactical adjustments.
After Ayub’s departure, Fakhar Zaman stepped in with a well-constructed 78 off 93 balls. Despite a few early chances that Sri Lanka failed to take, he provided exactly the kind of stability Pakistan needed. His partnership of 100 runs with Babar created the perfect platform for the latter half of the chase.
When Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar, the result was almost guaranteed. Their unbeaten 112-run stand was a lesson in pressure absorption and strike rotation. Rizwan’s 52* off 51 balls ensured that Pakistan crossed the finish line with 10 balls to spare, highlighting the ease with which the target was reeled in.
Sri Lanka’s Inconsistent Start Cost Them the Match
Sri Lanka’s inability to maintain discipline in the opening overs ultimately cost them dearly. Their seamers were erratic from the outset:
- Asitha Fernando leaked runs at nearly 10 per over.
- Pramod Madushan, returning to international cricket after 18 months, looked rusty and gave away 19 runs in his first two overs.
Pakistan capitalised immediately, reaching 73 without loss by the eighth over. Sri Lanka’s decision to switch to Plan B bowling strategies did little to slow the onslaught.
Fielding issues only compounded their struggles. Fakhar Zaman was dropped three times, including two straightforward catches in the outfield. Babar too survived an early opportunity when Madushan failed to grab a return catch. On a flat pitch, such lapses were fatal.
Sri Lanka’s Middle Order Shows Fight
Despite their messy start, Sri Lanka did manage to put together a respectable 288 for 8—thanks largely to their middle-order resilience. Janith Liyanage, with a composed 54, was the only batter to reach a half-century. He, along with Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga, kept the innings from collapsing entirely.
Hasaranga’s late-innings hitting provided the spark Sri Lanka desperately needed, especially during the death overs. However, even as the total neared 290, the conditions and the quality of Pakistan’s batting lineup suggested it would never be enough.
Abrar Ahmed’s Impactful Spell
In Pakistan’s bowling effort, Abrar Ahmed stood out with figures of 3 for 41. His clever variations and sharp turns troubled Sri Lanka’s batters throughout. His breakthroughs were perfectly timed—first removing Kamil Mishara through a smart stumping, then accounting for Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka.
Haris Rauf also finished strongly, taking two wickets at the death and ending with three overall. Together, they ensured Sri Lanka never truly broke free, especially in the critical middle overs.
Pakistan’s Tactical Discipline Shines Through
One of the defining characteristics of Pakistan’s victory was its clarity of strategy. The bowlers followed specific plans based on pitch behaviour, while the batting unit executed a chase blueprint that rarely faltered. Each player understood his role:
- The openers attacked early to unsettle bowlers.
- The middle order is consolidated through rotation and placement.
- The senior duo of Babar and Rizwan managed the tempo without taking unnecessary risks.
Such tactical maturity bodes well for Pakistan ahead of upcoming tournaments.
A Statement Victory With Larger Implications
By securing the series 2-0 with one match still to go, Pakistan have sent a message to their competitors. The top order is in form, Babar is back to scoring centuries, Rizwan remains consistent, and players like Ayub and Zaman are finding rhythm at the right time.
This victory not only boosts morale but also strengthens Pakistan’s ODI identity, built around controlled chases, disciplined bowling spells, and top-order dominance.
What Comes Next
With the final match remaining, Pakistan have the chance to experiment with combinations or continue building momentum. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, must address their new-ball bowling discipline and inconsistent fielding if it wants to salvage pride.
Regardless of what the last match brings, this encounter will be remembered for Babar Azam’s long-awaited resurgence and Pakistan’s emphatic display of professionalism.
