Babar’s brilliant century leads Pakistan to series-clinching win over Sri Lanka

His 102 off 119 balls, featuring eight boundaries, brought him level with Saeed Anwar’s tally of 20 ODI centuries

Web Desk

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14 Nov 2025

Pakistan wrapped up the three-match ODI series with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second match in Rawalpindi, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead.

Chasing 289, Pakistan cruised to the target in 48.2 overs with only two wickets down. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a superb unbeaten hundred, marking his first international century in 26 months.

His 102 off 119 balls, featuring eight boundaries, brought him level with Saeed Anwar’s tally of 20 ODI centuries. He is now the fastest Pakistani to reach the milestone in terms of innings played.

Mohammad Rizwan supported him with an unbeaten 51, while Fakhar Zaman struck 78 and Saim Ayub contributed 33 runs at the top. Sri Lanka’s only breakthroughs came through Dushmantha Chameera, who picked up both wickets.

𝐏𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 🔥

And fittingly, it's @babarazam258 who hits the winning runs!#PAKvSL | #JeetKaScene | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/mDdRh55jL6
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2025

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 288 for eight in their 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a 51-run opening stand before Pakistan found the breakthrough. Nissanka was run out for 24 following a sharp throw from Naseem Shah, while Mishara fell for 27 after being stumped off Abrar Ahmed’s bowling.

Abrar then removed Kusal Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka in quick succession, halting Sri Lanka’s progress. The visitors recovered through contributions from the middle order but were restricted in the final overs.

Pakistan entered the match with a change in leadership, as Salman Ali Agha captained the side in place of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the game due to illness. Mohammad Wasim Jr. came into the XI as his replacement.

The roar. The noise. The celebrations. 🔥@babarazam258 has done it! A moment to savour for Rawalpindi 👏

📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM #PAKvSL | #JeetKaScene | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/LnpJV1Puk3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2025