- Babar Azam hits 20th ODI ton, equals Saeed Anwar’s record
Babar Azam broke his two-year century drought in style, powering Pakistan to a dominant eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka and a 2-0 series lead in Rawalpindi. Chasing 289, Pakistan’s senior batters delivered a clinical, pressure-free display on a flat surface as they reached the target with 10 balls to spare.
Babar’s unbeaten 102 off 119 balls — his 20th ODI hundred — was the anchor of the innings, as he matched Saeed Anwar’s long-standing Pakistan record for most ODI centuries. With trademark timing through cover and midwicket, he controlled the chase effortlessly while Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled with line and discipline.
Pakistan’s dominance began early, with Saim Ayub’s rapid 33 off 25 setting the tone before Fakhar Zaman’s steady 78 consolidated the platform. Babar added 100 with Zaman and then an unbeaten 112-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, who finished with a smooth 52* off 51 as Sri Lanka’s attack faded under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s batting was held together by middle-order contributions from Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga, but their 288 for 8 never looked enough. Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler with 3 for 41, supported by Haris Rauf’s late burst.
Wayward new-ball bowling, sloppy fielding, and drop catches crippled Sri Lanka’s defence as Pakistan cruised to another convincing series win — with one ODI still left to play.
