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The second ODI of Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan in 2025, played on November 14, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets with 10 balls remaining. Sri Lanka scored 288/8 in 50 overs, but Pakistan comfortably outscored them with 289/2 in 48.2 overs, securing an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series.
This result underscores Pakistan’s resurgence in white-ball cricket under its current configuration, while also exposing Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities in pursuits under pressure.
In terms of form and player records: Babar Azam delivered a decisive performance, scoring 102 runs without being put out in 119 balls. This was his first international century in over two years (since May 2023), equaling Saeed Anwar’s record for most ODI centuries scored by a Pakistani (20).
This performance, filled with accurate drives to the cover and midwicket zones (61 runs in those areas), not only solidified the comeback but also reignited Babar’s confidence heading into upcoming tours.
Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive 78 points in 70 balls provided an early boost, forming a crucial 100-run partnership with Babar. Mohammad Rizwan’s undefeated 51 points in 51 balls sealed the victory with a 112-run partnership, highlighting the depth of Pakistan’s batting order.
For Sri Lanka, Janith Liyanage’s 54 points were the only bright spot in their batting, but the rest of the team struggled to form partnerships. Bowler Abrar Ahmed (3/41) and Haris Rauf (3 wickets, including two in the later overs) were Pakistan’s standout players, reinforcing their balance between spin and seam.
Regarding team morale and strategy: Pakistan’s flawless performance boosts their confidence after an inconsistent year, strengthening their home advantage.
The ease with which Sri Lanka achieved their target (73/0 after 8 overs) highlighted the weaknesses in their attack, particularly during power play, where Asitha Fernando conceded more than 10 runs per over.
Sri Lanka’s defensive errors—several balls that got away from Fakhar (with 21 and 78 runs) and a risky catch by Babar with 5 runs—exacerbated their problems, highlighting the need for more precise execution.
Series result: With a 2-0 lead, Pakistan secured the three-game ODI series, making the third game on November 16 a meaningless encounter.
This victory grants Pakistan valuable points in the ICC ODI rankings, which could solidify their position in the top five, while Sri Lanka risks falling further if they fail to salvage some pride in the final game.
Broader implications: For Pakistan, Babar’s return to fitness provides a timely boost heading into the bilateral series and the 2027 World Cup cycle, easing pressure on the middle batting order.
It also validates coach Gary Kirsten’s emphasis on aggressive batting. However, Sri Lanka faces criticism for captain Charith Asalanka’s tactical decisions, such as erratic pitching changes and concerns about Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury (who had to leave the game twice for treatment), which affected their control of the game. A loss in the series could accelerate calls for a rotation within the team, especially after their recent struggles in shortened game formats.
Fan and media reactions: Social media highlighted Babar’s masterful performance, hailed as an “end to the drought,” as a morale booster for Pakistani fans, while Sri Lankan supporters lamented the “avoidable errors” in pitching and fielding, fueling the debate over team selection.
Pakistan’s dominance was built on superior execution: they capitalized on Sri Lanka’s shaky starts and maintained a required run average below 6 throughout the game, demonstrating that their home-field advantage in ODI remains formidable.
Sri Lanka displayed stamina at the plate, reaching .288, but faltered in containment, underscoring the need for disciplined pitching in power play and impeccable fielding to compete against top teams.
In essence, this match solidifies Pakistan’s victory in the series and Babar’s personal redemption, while also serving as a wake-up call for Sri Lanka, who must refine their overall game before the decisive match. The tour highlights the evolving ODI landscape in Asia, where home teams like Pakistan are capitalizing on the conditions with great effectiveness.
