Pakistan secured a decisive 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Babar Azam starred with a brilliant century, guiding his team to a comfortable chase of 289.

Electing to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 288 for 8 in their 50 overs.

Opener Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara put on 51 for the first wicket, but Pakistan struck early when Mohammad Rizwan ran out Nissanka for 24. Rizwan then dismissed Mishara for 27, giving Pakistan early control.

Spin bowler Abrar Ahmed claimed two quick wickets, sending back Kushal Mendis for 20 and captain Charith Asalanka for 6, slowing Sri Lanka’s momentum.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership, but Haris Rauf dismissed Samarawickrama for 42.

Kamindu Mendis and Liyanage added 73 for the sixth wicket before Pakistan took regular wickets to limit the visitors’ total. Liyanage scored a resilient 54, while Wanindu Hasaranga struck 37 off 26 balls to boost Sri Lanka’s final total.

Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf were the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with three wickets each, while Wasim Jr. added one and a run-out completed the damage.

Chasing 289, Pakistan got off to a flying start with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman putting together a 77-run opening stand.

Ayub fell for 33, and Fakhar followed for 78 as Babar Azam joined Mohammad Rizwan at the crease. The duo built a crucial 122-run partnership for the third wicket.

Babar Azam, returning after a long gap, played a masterclass innings of 102 not out off 119 balls, hitting eight boundaries.

Rizwan contributed 51 runs before being dismissed. With the target achieved in 48.2 overs for the loss of just two wickets, Pakistan cruised to victory.

Babar Azam was named Man of the Match and equalled Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI centuries, becoming the second Pakistani to reach the milestone.

This win marks Pakistan’s second consecutive ODI series triumph at home, following their recent series win against South Africa.