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Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka Defeated by eight wickets in the second ODI RawalpindiAgainst the backdrop of security concerns and tensions at the tourist camp suicide bombing Earlier this week.
Sri Lankan cricketers on Wednesday requested to return home from their Pakistan tour due to security concerns following the suicide bombing in Islamabad near Rawalpindi, but their board issued strict instructions to stay back or face consequences.
Pakistan then deployed army and paramilitary forces to protect the Sri Lankan cricket team, with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir assuring Sri Lankan Defense Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon of the team’s security.
The host team won the three-match series 2-0 on Friday.
Pakistan chasing 289 runs to win Babar Azam Led with a patient century – his 20th ODI The century – his first in 84 international innings – helped the hosts surpass Sri Lanka’s total with 10 balls to spare.
After being invited to bat, Sri Lanka got off to a bright start as the openers put on a partnership of 51 runs, but Pathum Nissanka was run out attempting a risky third run.
The top order showed promise but could not capitalize, with Sadira Samarawickrama (42) missing a half-century and being bowled by Haris Rauf.
But Zenith Liyanage (54) and Kamindu Mendis (44) anchored the innings with a crucial 73-run partnership, while Wanindu Hasaranga remained unbeaten on 37. Rauf and Abrar Ahmed shared the bowling honors for Pakistan, taking three wickets each.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a flying start as Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman punished Sri Lanka’s new ball duo, but Sri Lanka eventually succeeded when Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Ayub for 33.
Azam joined Zaman at the crease and the pair settled down, rotating the strike and punishing anything short or wide, while Sri Lanka were also guilty of dropping many catches.
Zaman was eventually out for 78 soon after hitting a powerful six over deep midwicket, with Chameera striking again after Liyanage took a sharp catch.
But Mohammad Rizwan came and made a solid partnership of 112 runs with Azam. Rizwan completed his half-century (51 not out) in the final over before Azam scored the winning runs.
The last ODI will also be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday before the T20 tri-series with Zimbabwe starting on Tuesday.
reuters