Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, SL in PAK, 3 ODIs, 2025 Nov 14 Full score card

That's it, it's all over and Pakistan have sealed the ODI series 2-0 with a game in hand. A juicy full toss, wide of the off stump and Babar Azam drives it to deep cover for a single. Pakistan win by 8 wickets and according to the on-air commentators, this is Pakistan's fourth bilateral ODI series win in a row against Sri Lanka.

A slower ball, on a length and on leg stump, Rizwan dabs it down through short fine leg and calls for two right away. The batters run the first run hard but Rizwan turns and sends Babar back as he realizes there's no second run on offer.

FIFTY up for Mohammad Rizwan and this has been a very controlled and poised knock from him. A short ball around off, Rizwan fetches the ball and pulls it down to deep square leg for a single. This is Rizwan's 18th ODI half century, his 3rd one against Sri Lanka.

Hard length outside off, Babar Azam eases it through the gap between point and covers and turns the strike over.

Gets the straight yorker in, does Madushan and Babar Azam can't get it away.

Banged in short and outside off, Babar Azam just leaves it alone.

A bit fuller in length and on middle, Rizwan pushes the ball straight to mid on and scurries through for a single. Rizwan moves on to 49 now.

The crowd erupts as Babar Azam raises his bat, celebrating a well-deserved century, ending an 83-innings wait in international cricket.

There it is, an international century after more than 2 years and 83 innings and one can sense the relief on Babar Azam's face. This is bowled a bit short and over middle, Babar swats the pull straight to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single to bring up his 20th ODI century, equalling Saeed Anwar's record of most ODI centuries by a Pakistani batter.

Good length in the channel outside off, keeps a bit low as well. Rizwan hangs back to cut but misses.

Another bouncer to Babar, dug in well short and over middle, Babar pulls it down to deep square leg for just one more and moves on to 99.

Slower one, a bit short and on leg, Rizwan dabs it down through short fine leg and turns the strike over.

A bumper now, over off and middle, Babar gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Wow, what a shot and up comes the 100-run stand between these two. Just too full and outside off, Babar Azam hangs back and hammers it through extra cover as the ball rockets to the fence. Babar moves on to 97 now.

Dug in a bit short and outside off, Babar Azam gets on his toes and smacks it down to the right of short cover but the substitute fielder, Lahiru Udara makes a fine stop. The pressure of that elusive century keeps growing on Babar.

FOUR! Edged away! Good length in the channel, skids off the surface. Mohammad Rizwan looks to play with an angled bat face but the ball takes the outside edge and runs away into the deep third fence. Just 13 needed now off 24 balls.

Goes for the yorker on leg stump and errs on the fuller side by a few inches. Rizwan nudges it towards short mid-wicket and looks for the single but is sent back.

Hard length over middle and leg, pushed across firmly down to deep mid-wicket for a single by Babar.

Wide! Another short ball, just angling down the leg side and that's the second one over shoulder height as well.

A good bumper, banged in over middle and Babar Azam has to ukc under it.

Dug in a bit short and over middle, Rizwan smacks the pull shot down to deep square leg and turns the strike over.

Hard length over the stumps, Babar stays upright and turs it wide of mid on for a single.

SIX! Rizwan clears the fence at will and with ease. Good length onto the pads, Mohammad Rizwan clears his front foot from the line of it and slogs this out of the park into the stands toward the deep mid-wicket region.

Good length on off, Babar Azam pushes this in the gap for a single.

BYE! On a length around leg, angling into the batter. Mohammad Rizwan jumps down the track and swings at it but misses out.

Good length on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan tucks this to mid-wicket.

Good length around off, Mohammad Rizwan dabs this to point.

Short pitched around off, Babar Azam pulls this flat towards deep square leg for a single.

Quicker one, on off, Mohammad Rizwan flicks this to mid-wicket for a dot to end the over. Wanindu Hasaranga stays wicketless as he ends his spell with 35 for nothing.

Floated full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan defends this one as well.

Googly on off, Mohammad Rizwan gets right on top and blocks.

A bit quicker and fuller, on off. Mohammad Rizwan blocks this out.

Floated on off, Babar Azam drives this through mid off and jogs to the other end.

Fuller on middle and leg, Babar Azam drills this to the bowler's right for no run. Wanindu Hasaranga does well to keep it down to nothing with a diving effort to his right.

Good length on off, Mohammad Rizwan blocks this out.

FOUR! CRUNCHED! Back of a length around off, Mohammad Rizwan stays leg side to the pitch of it and flat bats it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary more. Pakistan now needs 31 more to win.

Good length on middle and off, Mohammad Rizwan thumps this to mid off.

Good length around off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts this to point.

Back of a length on off, Babar Azam hops up on his toes and punches this through cover for a single.

Good length on off, Babar Azam punches this to cover for no run.

Fuller on the pads, Mohammad Rizwan tucks this to the right of the bowler for no run.

Fuller around off, Babar Azam works this in the gap and takes a single.

Floated on off, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! 250 comes up for Pakistan as Babar Azam inches even closer to his century. Short of a length on off, Babar Azam rocks onto his back foot and punches this through the gap at cover region for a boundary more. Onto 86 now is Babar.

Quicker one, on off, Babar Azam blocks it out.

Fuller on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan drives this away in the gap for a strike rotation.

Charith Asalanka is unhappy with the condition of the ball. He wants the umpires to change the ball but he won't get his wish, atleast not for now.

FOUR! Babar moves into the 80s with this boundary. Good length around the hips of a quality batter and Babar Azam just swings and connects well to flick it into the gap behind square on leg for a boundary. Babar Azam moves to 82.

Good length onto the pads, Mohammad Rizwan pulls this towards deep square leg for a single.

WIDE! On a length, wide down the leg. Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep it away but misses. Wided.

Looks like there's too much dew on the outfield right now. Even the umpires are finding it a bit difficult to dry the ball.

Good length on middle and leg, Babar Azam works this to mid-wicket for one.

Short pitched, down the leg. Babar Azam goes for the hook but misses out.

Good length around off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts this to deep point for one.

FOUR! Rizwan shows his intentions straightaway after the break. On a length around off, Mohammad Rizwan shimmies down the track and smashes this up and over the fielder at mid off for a boundary.

POWERPLAY 3! The fielding side will be allowed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the game.

A tad short and outside off, punched away off the back foot and square through the off side for a single.

Flighted ball, in and around off, Rizwan leans on to defend.

Shortish length, darted into the body, Babar turns it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Tossed up outside off, Babar Azam comes down the pitch, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it well wide of deep cover for a boundary.

Flattens the trajectory and darts it into the batter, Rizwan sits down and angles the pull well behind square leg for a single.

Flatter one, on a good length and on middle, Babar flicks it wide of mid-wicket and gets across for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Riwan looks to punch it off the back foot but miscues it badly.

Hard length again, jags back into the batter, Rizwan nudges it across to mid-wicket.

Hard length at the stumps, punched away gently past the bowler and to the left of mid on for a quick single. The 50-run stand is up between these two as well.

Good length outside off, patted down through cover for a single by Rizwan.

FOUR! Top shot! Fuller in length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan gets a good stride forward and punches the cover drive through the gap and picks up a boundary.

A length ball on off, Babar Azam stands tall and just leans halfway, punching it down to long on for a single.

Tossed up outside off, Babar Azam steps out and pushes it straight to cover where the fielder is a bit too eager to collect the ball and lets it through. Babar gets another single.

Good running! Floats it up a bit and bowls it outside off, Rizwan lunges to block and gets it in front of covers for a quick single.

Darted in full and straight, Babar leans on and turn it wide of mid on for a single.

Full and outside off, punched on the full but straight to cover.

Wide! Another quicker one, a bit full and well outside off. Babar leaves it alone.

Fires it in full and outside off, Babar jams it firmly towards cover.

FOUR! Starts with the left-arm orthodox spin and bowls it short and wide. Babar Azam stays put and slaps the ball away perfectly between deep cover and long off and picks up a boundary.

Rizwan is looking to just play that same shot to Hasaranga but isn't getting much out of it. A googly on the pads, Rizwan is early to go down for the sweep and gets a bottom edge onto the pads. 77 needed now off 78 balls.

Flatter delivery, not all that full and outside off. Mohammad Rizwan lunges a long way to get inside the line and paddle it away but misses and gets struck on the grill of the helmet. A mandatory concussion check will now follow.

Tossed up, full and straight, Babar gets forward and punches it back past the bowler for one more.

Full and outside off, Rizwan sits down and drags the sweep down to deep backward square leg for one more.

Flatter again and on a length outside off, hit away on the up and through mid off for a single.

Flattens it up and bowls it around off, Babar leans forward to defend.

Hard length outside off, Rizwan waits back and punches it away to the left of deep point for a couple of more runs. 12 off the over!

Back of a length and wide of the off stump, Babar stays upright and slaps the ball to sweeper cover for a single.

Fuller in length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan presses forward and strokes it away well wide of deep cover for three runs. Good running.

FOUR! Streaky from Rizwan but the 200 comes up for Pakistan here. On a good length and on off, Rizwan decides to step down the pitch and attack the ball but gets an inside edge past leg stump and the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence.

In the air but does land safely. A well-directed bumper, over off and middle, Babar looks to take it on but gets a top edge over the square leg region and picks up a single.

A full ball on leg stump, Rizwan tucks it down to fine leg for a single. He thinks about the second run but Babar sends him back.

Floats this one up, full and outside off, Babar lunges across and smothers it to short cover.

Nicely flighted and around off, this one dips. Rizwan plays it very late and off the inside half of the bat towards fine leg for one more.

Bowled flatter and short on off, Babar presses back and pushes it down to long on for a single.

Tossed up around off, it is the leg break and Babar just drives it straight to short cover.

Floated up outside off, Rizwan gets across and inside the line of the ball before paddling it down to fine leg for a single.

Tosses the ball very full and around off, Rizwan is late on it and gets an inside edge onto the back leg.

Shorter in length and over middle, Rizwan pulls it from around hips and towards deep square leg for a single.

Pitches the ball full and around off, Rizwan solidly blocks it to the short cover fielder.

Full and straight, angled into the pads, Rizwan looks to flick but miscus it towards mid on.

Hard length over middle, jagging back in. Rizwan tucks it down to short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and angled into the batter. Mohammad Rizwan tucks it off the hips and down to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

On a hard length over middle, Babar stands tall and swats it wide of mid on for a single.

FOUR LEG BYES! Poor bowling from Chameera! Full again, pushing it into the batter but gets it down the leg side again. Rizwan misses the flick and the ball clips the pads, rolling away into the fine leg fence.

Wide! Full again, looking to attack the pads but this is spilled down the leg side for a wide.

Goes fuller and looks to slide one through the gate but Rizwan manages to clip it away to short mid-wicket.

On a hard length over off and middle, Rizwan covers the line well and blocks it off.

Kamindu Mendis gets a big hand on that one. Banged in short over off, Babar Azam gets in position and smack the pull to the right of mid-wicket where Mendis puts in the dive and deflects it behind to deep square leg for a single.

Hard length around the top of off, Babar hangs back and angles it down to short third.

Back of a length and around off, Babar Azam stands tall and sweetly punches it wide of deep covers for a couple of easy runs.

A bit slower and shorter, around off, Babar goes back in his crease and forces it through cover-point for a single. 107 needed now off 108 balls.

Length again and outside off, caressed on the up by Babar, hitting it wide of sweeper cover for a couple of more runs.

Full of a good length and outside off, Rizwan reaches for it and drives it through the point region for a single.

Fuller in length and in the channel outside off, Rizwan leans on and punches it towards cover.

Takes pace off and bowls it full at the stumps, Babar leans on and eases it down to long on for a run.

Short of a good length and on off, Babar Azam punches it from the crease and back into the turf. Janith Liyanage leaps up and gets a hand on it, deflecting it towards mid on.

Back of a length and around off, Rizwan hops back and taps it to the left of the backward point fielder.

The drinks break intervenes as Pakistan lose their second wicket, Fakhar Zaman falling agonisingly short of a century. Pakistan requires 112 more and Sri Lanka will need to build on this wicket and get a few more if they are to make a comeback in this contest. Mohammad Rizwan walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! That is a blinder of a catch from Janith Liyanage and Dushmantha Chameera does get his man. This is bowled a bit short and around off. Fakhar Zaman picks the bones out of this one as he goes for the pull and hammers it flat to the left of short mid-wicket, where Liyanage plucks it out of thin air and everyone is just stunned. Zaman finally runs out of lives and departs for a crucial 78 off 93 deliveries.

DROPPED! A smart piece of bowling from Dushmantha Chameera but the substitute fielder makes a mess of it. Slower one, on a hard legth on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman tries to replicate the shot from the previous delivery but miscues it down towards long leg. Pavan Rathnayake settles under the ball but ends up fumbling it. A third life for Fakhar!

SIX! Wow, what hang time on that shot! Hard length over middle, Fakhar Zaman stays leg side of the ball and swings across the line, whacking it a mile high and well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

A 38th ODI FIFTY for Babar Azam and it has come at a good time for his team as well. On a hard length and outside off, punched away square through the off side for a single. He will now look to anchor this chase all the way.

Babar has laced that cover drive but it's brilliantly fielded at covers. Length ball outside off, Babar Azam leans on and drives it just to the right of the cover fielder, who makes a fine stop.

FOUR! Fakhar manages to loft the fielder at mid on and adds four more to his tally. Tossed up on the pads, Fakhar Zaman smashes this up and over the mid on fielder for a boundary to close the over.

A shade quicker from Charith Asalanka, full and on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman backs away to create a bit of room but gets cramped and blocks it out.

Fuller on middle and off, Babar Azam drives this through mid on for one.

Fuller and wide of off, Fakhar Zaman jumps down the track and smashes this to the right of mid on for one.

Pushed through on middle and off, Fakhar Zaman flicks this to the left of the bowler.

Tossed up on off, Fakhar Zaman pushes this to cover.

Good length around off, Fakhar Zaman guides this through point for one.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Fakhar Zaman and just like that Fakhar Zaman finds his rhythm again. Back of a length around the pads, Fakhar Zaman once again gets inside the line of it and flicks it towards the fine leg fence for four.

FOUR! A boundary after more than 5 overs. Short pitched, around leg, Fakhar Zaman steps inside the line of it and ramps this towards the fine leg region for a boundary.

Good length around off, Fakhar Zaman smashes this to cover for no run. Fakhar Zaman is getting frustrated here as he is finding the middle of his bat but the fielders as well.

Back of a length around off, Babar Azam punches this off his back foot for a single.

Good length around off, Babar Azam cuts this crisply to point.

Tossed up on the pads, Babar Azam drives this through cover for a single.

Fuller on off, Babar Azam blocks it well off the front foot.

Fuller on off, Babar Azam blocks it.

Wrong'un outside off, Fakhar Zaman looks to cut this away through point but gets an underedge that nutmegs the keeper for a single.

Fired into the batter, Fakhar Zaman steps out of the crease and blocks it back to the bowler.

Fuller on off, Babar Azam rolls it to long on for one.

Janith Liyanage hits the hard length, around the pads, Fakhar Zaman misses out on the flick and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Good length on the pads, Fakhar Zaman tucks this to short fine leg for no run.

Back of a length around off, Fakhar Zaman steps down and away and swings at it. Thumps it powerfully into the ground and towards cover for no run.

Good length around off, Fakhar Zaman drives this to mid off for no run.

On a length around off, Babar Azam drives this through cover for a single.

Good length on off, Babar Azam blocks it around the bowler's right.

Fuller on middle and leg, Babar Azam flicks this through mid-wicket for another single.

Quicker one, on off, Fakhar Zaman works this through square leg for one.

Leggie around middle and off, Babar Azam pushes this through cover and rotates.

Fuller around middle and off, Babar Azam pushes this towards cover for a dot.

Tossed up on off, Babar blocks it.

SENSATIONAL! An outstanding effort in the field from Kamindu Mendis saved 5 runs for his side. Tossed up, around middle and off, Fakhar Zaman goes down on his knees and slogs this, aiming for the stands. Fakhar Zaman fails to get right underneath itbut had still got enough to take it over the ropes. Kamindu Mendis, at deep mid-wicket fence, had another idea though. Kamindu times his jump to perfection and puts in a brilliant effort to catch this with his body momentum taking him over the fence but having the presence of mind to throw the ball in the playing area before stepping onto the bondary cushions.

Good length around the pads, Fakhar Zaman flicks this through square leg to take a single. Fakhar will keep strike at the start of the next over.

Good length on middle and off, Babar Azam pushes this to off the inside towards dep on leg for one.

Back of a length on off, Babar Azam cuts this to point.

Good length on the pads, Fakhar Zaman flicks this in the gap for one.

Another slower one, on a good length around the pads. Fakhar Zaman swings a bit early and toe-pokes it to mid-wicket.

Slower one, on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman pushes this back to the bowler.

Tossed up around off, Fakhar Zaman smashes this down to long on for one.

Fuller on the pads, Fakhar Zaman rills this to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on middle and off, Babar Azam punches this to sweeper cover for one.

Tossed up on the pads, Fakhar Zaman flicks this through square leg for a single.

Half-a-chance goes begging. Fuller on the pads, Babar Azam flicks this away to the left of Janith Liyanage at mid-wicket. Janith gets a bit of hand to it as he dives full-stretch to his left. A single taken.

FOUR! SLogged away for four. Short of a length around off, Babar Azam goes deep insdie the crease and slogs it with the top hand off the handle for a boundary between deep mid-wicket and wide long on for four.

Clever from Janith Liyanage to take the pace off on this one as he sees Fakhar Zaman stepping down the track. FZ ends up tucking it to square leg for no run.

On a length around the pads, Babar Azam flicks this through square leg for a single.

Good length wide of off, Babar Azam thumps this intot he surface and towards cover for no run.

Good length on off, Fakhar Zaman punches this through cover for one.

Janith goes full and on the pads, Babar Azam drills this to long on for a single.

WIDE! On a length, wide fown the leg. Babar Azam misses out on the flick. Wided.

Good length on the pads, Babar Azam blocks this to mid-wicket.

Short and wide of off, Babar Azam cuts this crisply to sweeper cover for a single.

Good length on off, Babar Azam gets right on top of it and blocks.

On a length around off, Babar Azam prods in front and blocks this around cover.

FIFTY FOR FAKHAR! Good length on the pads, Fakhar Zaman works this in the gap through mid-wicket for a single to bring up his half-century.

On a length around the pads, Fakhar Zaman thumps this straight to the fielder.

Good length on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman punches this firmly towards mid-wicket.

Fuller on off, Babar Azam drives this crisply to mid off for a dot.

Fired full and on middle and off, Fakhar Zaman flicks thisto deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and wide of off, Fakhar Zaman goes onto his back foot and slaps this to the left of Pathum Nissanka at sweeper cover for a couple.

Quicker one, on middle and leg, Babar Azam punches this through mid off for a single.

Fired into the batter, Fakhar Zaman works this in the gap towards mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up on off, Fakhar Zaman punches this to cover.

On a hard length and outside off, Babar Azam gets across a touch and taps it down in front of covers.

Dug in short again and around off, Zaman hangs back to pull and gets it towards deep square leg for just one more.

Banged in a bit short and over middle, Babar just tucks it down to the right of deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Goes fuller now and bowls it outside off, Babar plays it with soft hands and down to backward point.

FOUR! Crunched! Just short of a length and outside off, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it hard into the ground and gets it through the big gap at covers for a boundary.

A misfield in the deep and Babar Azam will come back for the second run with ease. Back of a length and outside off, tapped down to the left of deep third for a brace.

Fractionally short and outside off, Zaman rocks back and cuts it to the right of the deep point fielder and races back for the second run.

Floated up on leg stump, Babar Azam comes down the pitch and punches it along the turf to wide long on for just on more.

Tossed up, full and on off, driven past the diving bowler and down to long off for a single.

Slows it up a bit and slides it outside off, Zaman backs away and plays it off the face of the blade to short third.

Flatter again and around the pads, tucked away from inside the crease and behind square leg for a single by Azam.

Starts the new spell from around the stumps and fires in a full one on leg stump. Babar Azam keeps it out.

Back of a length and outside off, Babar gets up on his toes and hammers it down to deep cover for another single. After 18 overs, Pakistan are Nelson for 1!

Another bumper, this time over leg stump and hurrying the batter. Zaman stands tall and angles the pull down to deep backward square leg for just another single. Fakhar has slowed down quite a bit after that early burst.

Good, early call from Babar for the single. Hard length on off, tapped gently in front of mid on for a run.

Short of a length around the bodyline, Zaman hits it away through the mid-wicket region for a run.

A bumper now, in and around off stump and at head height. Fakhar Zaman looks to pull but misses.

Just back of a length and around off, punched off the back foot and through the cover region for a single.

Flatter trajectory this time, targeting the stumps again and again, Zaman blocks it out. After the over, Wanindu Hasaranga is seen going off the field, probably with another hamstring issue. He was seen walking gingerly earlier in the innings as well.

Tossed up at the stumps, straighter in line and Zaman shows the full face of the blade to defend it out.

Slows it up a touch and bowls it fuller on off stump, Zaman makes another block.

Floated up on middle and leg, Fakhar leans on and makes the block.

Dragged length, straighter at the stumps, worked off the back foot and past square leg for one more.

Should have been put away. A juicy full toss on the pads and all Fakhar Zaman does is flick it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Hard length over off, tails back in a touch, Babar plays it late and dabs it down in front of point.

Wide! An attempted bumper over middle, gets the line right but it is a tad too high for the umpire's liking and a wide is caalled.

Hard length at the stumps, Azam punches it down to mid on and looks for a single but quickly ecides against it.

Madushan induces another false stroke from Babar but again, the batter gets away with it. Hard length on off, Azam leans into the drive but the ball stops on him and he ends up lobbing it over the cover region for a couple of runs.

Back of a length and around off, Babar isn't sure whether to leave it or play at it and ends up fending it off.

FOUR! Glorious from Babar and the 100 also comes up for Pakistan. Full and straight, looking for swing that isn't there. Azam prods halfway and just punches it straight back pst the bowler for a boundary at long on.

Short ball over off and middle, no real effort on it, Zaman stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

Excellent work in the deep from Pathum Nissanka. A freebie from Wanindu, full and on the pads, clipped away firmly by Babar Azam towards deep mid-wicket. Nissanka runs to his right across the ropes and puts in a dive to save two runs for his side.

Oh, an inside edge! The leg break, tossed up on off stump, gets a bit of dip as well. Babar Azam looks to drive but the ball turns and takes the inside edge before hitting the pads.

Floated up outside off, Babar reaches out and strokes it towards cover.

Around the wicket now to the left-hander, boling it full and around off, Zaman clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up again, very full and straight, Zaman takes the front leg out to go over mid off but can't quite get under it.

Gives it a nice loop and tosses it full on middle, Azam leans on and drives it down to long on for a single.

DRINKS! The hosts, Pakistan, have got their run chase off to a blazing start, scoring 92 runs off the first 14 overs, with both openers playing some fantastic shots against poor deliveries. The visitors, Sri Lanka, have struggled with their fielding and bowling, dropping crucial catches, including two chances off Fakhar, which might prove costly. Saim's wicket have dragged the scoring rate back a bit but it won't be long before Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam will step on the accelerator once again. Wiskcets will be the key for Sri Lanka here.

The call is for two and they get it with ease. Back of a length on off, Zaman hangs back and sort-arms jabs it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Short of a good length, angled into the batter, Azam nudges it down and gets it behind square leg for another easy single.

Full and at the stumps, a hint of away movement as well. Babar taps it across to mid-wicket.

Hard length around leg, tucked down to deep mid-wicket for one more by Fakhar.

Full and wide outside off, driven firmly and through cover-point for a single.

Oh, nearly a caught and bowled but Babar Azam gets away with it. Hard length around off, Babar looks to drive on the up but gets it off the toe end of the bat and luckily for him, the ball goes over the outstretched right hand of the bowler and down to long off for a couple of runs.

Just marginally short on off, Babar Azam rocks back and forces it down to long on for a single.

Nagging length around off, pushed into the off side. Five dots in a row now.

Flatter one, fired in towards the middle stump, Azam plays it back to the bowler.

Bowls a leg break and gets it to turn as well. On a length and on off, turns away quite a bit but Babar manages to tap it into the off side.

Nice and full, straighter as well, Babar Azam watchfully defends.

Begins with a flatter one, pushing it through onto the off stump, Babar hangs back to jam it out.

Fakhar Zaman has been hit on the helmet and he is undergoing the mandatory concussion check. He is changing his helmet and is ready to continue.

Flush on the helmet! Dushmantha Chameera brings out another bumper and gets it spot-on as well. Banged in over middle and around head height, Fakhar Zaman looks to pull but is beaten and gets a blow to the side of the helmet. Thankfully, Zaman looks fine but the physio will come out to perform a mandatory concussion check. Also, the helmet will be changed as well as per protocol.

On a hard length and outside off, seams away a touch. Babar Azam hangs back and angles it down to deep third for one run.

Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Babar gets up on his toes and pushes it down towards the cover fielder.

Hard length around the top of off, Babar stays put and punches it back to the bowler.

In the air but will land safely. A well-directed short ball, over leg stump. Fakhar Zaman looks to pull but gets hurried and miscues it over backward square leg for one more.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it around off, Azam stands tall and punches it towards cover for a single.

Dragged length, on middle and leg, tucked away behind square leg for a single.

Pushed through quidker and angled into the batter, Zaman pulls it off the back foot through square leg for a run.

Flighted delivery, a bit full and outside off, Zaman blocks it off.

Drops the length short and around off, Babar comes forward and pushes it back past the bowler to long on for one more.

Tosses the ball up on off, very full as well, and Zaman strokes it down to long off for a single.

Slows it right up and floats it around off and middle, Zaman blocks it off.

Powerplay 2! Done with the first 10 overs of the chase and the field can now spread as Sri Lanka will be allowed as many as 4 fielders outside the inner ring.

On a length around off, Babar Azam blocks it out.

Back of a length on off, Babar Azam punches this to point.

Babar Azam walks in at number 3 for Pakistan.

OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, Sri Lanka hold on to a chance and see the back of Saim Ayub. On a length, around off, angling away from the batter. Saim Ayub looks to loft this over the fielder at mid off but his bat tilts at the time of contact with the ball and the ball hangs over Charith Asalanka at mid off. Charith does not make any mistake and holds onto this dolly. Saim Ayub departs after scoring 33.

Good length, going across the batter. Saim Ayub tentatively pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside.

Short pitched on the pads, Fakhar Zaman hits this away towards deep backward square leg for one.

Short and wide of off, Fakhar Zaman goes for the pull but misses out.

Floated on off, Saim Ayub defends well.

DROPPED AGAIN! Fakhar Zaman gets another life at 28 as Janith Liyanage this time drops him at long off. Fuller, on off, Fakhar Zaman jumps down the track and looks to slog this out of the park. His bat tilts in his hands as he looks to hit it far and the ball slices to the right of Janith Liyanage at long off. Janith does the har dbit by covering the ground but ends up dropping it at the end.

Fuller on off, Fakhar Zaman blocks it out.

LEG BYE! Floated down the leg, Saim Ayub goes down on a knee and looks to sweep but gets it deflected off his pads to short fine leg for one.

Quicker one, on the pads. Saim Ayub blocks this to the left of the bowler.

Fuller on the pads, Fakhar Zaman flicks this through mid-wicket for one.

A bit too full this time, on the pads. Fakhar Zaman flicks this through square leg for a single.

On a length around off, Saim Ayub goes deep inside the crease and guides this to third man region for one.

Short pitched on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman pulls t to deep square leg for one.

Good length on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman tucks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! DISPATCHED! Back of a length wide of off, Fakhar Zaman fetches this from outside off and pulls this flat and hard through the mid-wicket region for a boundary more.

Good length wide of off, Saim Ayub opens his bat face and guides this to deep third for one.

Floated on the pads, Saim Ayub works this away for one.

DROPPED! Fakhar gets a lifeline on 20 as Asitha Fernando drops a sitter. Tossed up around off, Fakhar Zaman steps down the track and looks to clear the fielder at long off but fails to get enough behind it. Hits this straight to Asitha Fernando at long off but he drops it.

Fired around off, Fakhar Zaman blocks this back to the bowler.

Quicker one, on the pads. Saim Ayub rolls this to long on for one.

FOUR! Boundaries galore. Floated around off, Saim Ayub jumps down the track and smashes this all along the ground through the gap between mid off and extra cover for four runs.

FOUR! Saim is sighting this white leather as big as a watermelon here. Short and wide of off, Saim Ayub backs away and cuts this through the point region for a boundary.

Charith Asalanka brings himself on.

Good length on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman blocks it out.

FOUR! Unlucky for the bowler. On a length around off, Fakhar Zaman gives it a mighty heave but gets an inside edge that goes past the leg pole and off the fence at the fine leg region for a boundary. Pakistan have raced to 54.

On a length around off, Fakhar Zaman punches this to short cover.

WIDE! 50 comes up for Pakistan as Dushmantha Chameera bowls a wide down the leg. Wided.

Good length on off, Fakhar Zaman pushes this to mid off.

This was there to be flicked away as well but Fakhar Zaman misses out as Dushmantha Chameera bowls it with raw pace.

On a length around off, Fakhar Zaman blocks it back to the bowler.

An early bowling change as Dushmantha Chameera comes into the attack.

Good length on middle and leg, Saim Ayub pushes this straight to the fielder.

FOUR! Cut away for yet another boundary. Back of a length around off, Saim Ayub steps down the track, slashes hard at it and cuts it over the fielder at point for a boundary.

FOUR! Boundaries are coming thick and fast for Pakistan. Back of a length on middle and leg, cramping Saim for any sort of room but quick hands from Ayub helps him to pull this through mid-wicket for a boundary here.

Good length on off, Saim Ayub blocks this to cover.

SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Pitched up, around middle and leg, Saim Ayub clears his front foot from the line of it and slogs this deep into the crowd towards the deep square leg region for a huge six.

NO BALL! From bad to worse. Beamer, around leg. Fakhar Zaman gets it away towards short fine leg for a single. The umpire calls for a no-ball straightaway and also gives a warning to the bowler for a dangerous beamer. Another one of such from Asitha Fernando will see the end of him bowling in this contest again.

Asitha hits the hard length on off, Fakhar Zaman thumps this to mid off.

Good length on middle and off, Fakhar Zaman works this through mid on for one.

Back of a length on off, Fakhar Zaman punches this to mid off for no run.

Good length on the pads, Saim Ayub flicks this through square leg and rotates.

Good length on off, Saim Ayub blocks this to mid off.

FOUR! Driven away for a boundary. Pitched up around middle and off, Saim Ayub strides to the pitch of the delivery and drives this through the cover region for yet another boundary. Pakistan has raced to 31 in no time.

On a length, going across the batter. Saim Ayub looks to slog this over mid on but gets beaten on the outside.

Asitha hits the hard length on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman thumps this back tot he bowler.

Good length around off, Fakhar Zaman blocks this one.

FOUR! Finding the gaps with ease. Back of a length around middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman hops up on his toes and helps this in the gap behind square for a boundary more.

Good length on off, Fakhar Zaman blocks.

FOUR! SMASHED AWAY! On a length, around middle and off, Fakhar Zaman stays leg side to it and slogs this wide to the fielder at mid-wicket for a boundary. Pakistan are off to a solid start in this massive chase.

Short pitched around the ribs, Fakhar Zaman dabs this to short fine leg.

On a length around off, Saim Ayub blocks.

FIVE WIDES! OH DEAR ME! Pramod Madushan is completely off the radar here and for the second time, he has given a boundary down the leg. On a length down the leg, swinging down the leg. Saim Ayub leaves it and the keeper fails to gather this behind the stumps as well. The ball goes tothe fence towards fine leg.

Good length on middle and leg, Saim Ayub defends this out.

On a length around the pads, Fakhar Zaman flicks this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Good length on the pads, Fakhar Zaman blocks this to mid-wicket.

FIVE WIDES! Plenty of swing but completely down the wrong line. On a length wide down the leg, Fakhar Zaman goes for the flick but misses out. The ball even beats the keeper, diving to his right and the ball has raced to the fence for a boundary.

Good length, wide of off, Saim Ayub guides this to deep third for one.

Good length on middle and leg, Saim Ayub blocks this out.

WIDE! Even Pramod is bowling down the wrong line. Pitched up on the pads, swinging down the leg. Saim Ayub shadows the flick. Wided.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Pramod Madushan.

Asitha almost had the number of Fakhar Zaman here. Straight one, going across the batter. Fakhar Zaman plays for the one swinging back into him. Gets beaten all ends up but luckily for Zaman the ball goes past his off-stump.

FOUR! First boundary of the run chase. Pitched up in the pads, gouing down the leg once again. Fakhar Zaman leans onto it and flicks it over the fielder at square leg for a boundary.

On a length down the leg again, Fakhar Zaman gets it brushed off the pads to the right of the keeper for no run.

On a length swinging into the batter. Fakhar Zaman goes for the flick and misses out.

Good length, onto the pads, swinging down the leg. Saim Ayub gets inside the line of it and flicks it to fine leg for a single as well. Both the openers are off the hook now.

A bit of swing straightaway from Asitha Fernando but he errs in line as he bowls this fuller one, down the leg. Fakhar Zaman glances this to fine leg for a single to open his account.

FOUR! A boundary to end the Sri Lankan innings. Low full toss, on middle and off, Pramod Madushan goes down on a knee and slogs this over the fielder at mid-wicket for a boundary to close the innings. Sri Lanka ends up posting 288.

Back of a length on off, Wanindu Hasaranga punches this to sweeper cover for just one.

FOUR! Wanindu Hasaranga is playing some exquisite shots. Short pitched, on off. Wanindu Hasaranga leans a bit back and upper cuts it over the short third fielder for a boundary more.

FOUR! Now that's right from the top drawer. A toe crushing yorker on off, Wanindu Hasaranga moves away from his stumps, goes deep and just guides this using the pace to a good effect for a boundary towards the third man region.

Short and wide of off, Wanindu Hasaranga cuts this to deep third and scampers back for two. A poor throw from Abrar Ahmed made the second possible for Wanindu Hasaranga and Sri Lanka.

DROPPED! Good length wide of off, Wanindu Hasaranga hits this in the air and off the bottom of his bat, straight towards Babar Azam at long on. Babar goes with hard hands at it and ends up dropping this one. A couple taken.

WIDE! Good length, down the leg. Wided.

Yorker, in the stumps. Pramod Madushan blocks.

A good bumper, across the batter. Pramod Madushan swings and misses.

Short and wide of off, Pramod Madushan looks to cut this over short third but misses out.

Short pitched, wide of off. Pramod Madushan leaves it all alone.

Good length on middle and off, Wanindu Hasaranga punches this away for one.

Good length on the pads, Wanindu Hasaranga flicks this to deep square and takes the first aggressively. Turns for the second and was in some trouble halfway down for the second but does well with some long strides at the end to complete two.

Pitched up on off, Wanindu Hasaranga jams this to point and take a quick single.

Short and wide of off, Wanindu Hasaranga cuts this through point for a couple here.

Good length on off, Wanindu Hasaranga thumps this to the left of the bowler.

FOUR! In the gap for four. Low full toss on middle and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga moves a shade to his leg and drives this through the gap at cover for four runs.

Naseem hits the hard length, on middle and leg. Pramod Madushan guides this through point for one.

Good length, slanting into the batter. Wanindu Hasaranga flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, wide of off, Pramod Madushan leaves it.

Back of a length on the pads, Wanindu Hasaranga hops up on his toes and tucks this through mid-wicket for one.

Back of a length around off, Wanindu Hasaranga looks to heave this over mid-wicket but misses out.

WIDE! Bumper, down the leg. Wanindu Hasaranga leaves it. Wided.

On a length around the pads, Pramod Madushan flicks this to deep square leg for one.

On a length, drifting down the leg. Pramod Madushan goes for the flick but misses out and gets hit on the pads.

On a length around middle and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga flicksthis through mid on for one.

Pitched up around off, Wanindu Hasaranga drives this towards the right of mid off, who gets a bit of hand to it and deflects it to long on for one.

On a length around the pads, Pramod Madushan flicks this through mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Bumper, down the leg, a bit too high as well. Wided.

Back of a length around middle and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga pulls this through mid-wicket for one.

LEG BYE! On a length, going down the leg. Pramod Madushan goes for the flick but misses out and deflects it off his pads for a leg bye.

Back of a length around off, Wanindu Hasaranga drops this around cover and rotates.

Good length, into the batter. Wanindu Hasaranga blocks.

Good-length delivery around off, angles back in, this one. Pramod Madushan with another awkward leave and the ball misses the stumps as well.

FOUR! Unlucky for the bowler. Nagging length in the channel, another indecisive leave from Madushan and is very late to pull his bat out of the shot. The ball takes the inner edge and misses the off stump by a whisker, rolling away into the fine leg fence.

Fuller and attacking the off stump, Pramod Madushan is a bit indecisive but does well to block it off.

On a length and wide outside off, Pramod Madushan lets it through to the keeper.

Pramod Madushan walks out next.

OUT! LBW! An appeal for LBW and up goes the umpire's finger in a jiffy. Dushmantha Chameera is pretty quick to review it as well. Haris Rauf steams in and bowls this one on a hard length on middle and gets the ball to just dart back in off the deck. Chameera looks to tuck it away but is beaten past the inside edge and gets hit on the pads. The third umpire is called in and there's nothing on UltraEdge to begin with. Ball Tracking shows the wickets as umpire's call, which means the on field call stands and Chameera will have to walk back.

Hard length around off, Hasaranga backs away and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Wide! Too many extras from Rauf and the Pakistani quicks in general. Goes fuller and ends up slipping it down the leg side for another qide.

Wide! An attempted bumper, a bit too short and down the leg side for a wide.

Dushmantha Chameera walks out next to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, that's a soft dismissal and it comes right after that mini break as well. Mohammad Wasim bowls a heavy short ball, banging it in over middle stump. Janith Liyanage looks to pull off the back foot but mistimes it badly. Liyanage ends up hitting it flat and straight to mid-wicket, where Mohammad Nawaz takes a simple catch. End of a good knock from Liyanage but he's perished at the wrong time for Sri Lanka.

Wanindu Hasaranga is struggling with something and the physio has been called out in the middle to medically assist him. After receiving treatment, including stretches and fluids, Hasaranga has been given the green light to continue playing.

Goes for the straight yorker but ends up serving a low full toss. Hasaranga punches it down to mid off and picks up a quick single.

A bit of indecisiveness from the batters but they do well to get the second run. Hard length around off, seams back in late. Hasaranga hangs back and jams it down behind point and wide of deep third for a couple of runs.

Wide! Too short! Banged in halfway down th pitch and over middle, Hasaranga simply gets out of the way of that one.

Short of a length and at the batter, Liyanage gets rushed off the deck and mistimes the pull over square leg for a single.

Hard length around off, tapped away into the off side for a single.

Oh, an unorthodox attempt and a risky one by Naseem Shah to save the boundary, but he's managed to save two runs. Pitched up on leg stump, Hasaranga tickles it down to fine leg where Naseem runs to his left and slides in with his feet to make the stop and it is the trailing leg that does the job for him.

Liyanage backs away early and Rauf follows him with a quick, shortish ball. Liyanage manages to dab it down towards point.

Back of a length and outside off, Hasaranga eases it off the back foot and gets it past point for a single.

Hitting the deck hard at 142.4 kph and darts it into the batter, Wanindu Hasaranga stays back and keeps it out on the leg side.

OUT! CAUGHT! For a moment, it looked to be sailing over the ropes, but the ball carried straight to fine leg. Haris Rauf hits the hard length again and bowls it on the pads, Kamindu Mendis picks it up and nonchalantly looks to flick it over fine leg. However, the timing isn't there and Saim Ayub takes a safe catch in the deep. Mendis departs for a quickfire 44 off 38 balls and Sri Lanka are now 232/6. Also, Wanindu Hasaranga walks out to bat next.

Beaten for pace! Pitched up outside off, slanting it across, Kamindu Mendis gets low to drive but misses.

Bowled on a hard length, angled into the body, Liyanage gets on his toes and tucks it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Length again, straighter this time, Liyanage stays back and works it through square leg for a run.

On a good length around off, tapped away into the off side for another single.

Slows it up and drifts it onto the pads, Liyanage tucks it 'round the corner on the leg side for a single.

Quicker one, full and outside off, Liyanage leans on to drive but ends up pulling out of the shot.

1 run, that is just a mere push for a run.

Just lands short! Short and wide outside off, begging to be hit but this one holds in the deck. Kamindu Mendis reaches out an mistimes the cut just in front of Fakhar Zaman at cover.

Flatter one, sliding it across off, Mendis stays put and just dabs it down to short third for a run. 14 off the over, the most expensive one of this innings so far.

SIX! Whacked away! That's poor bowling from Nawaz. Another long hop, right in the batter's arc as well. Kamindu Mendis picks it up and smokes it over deep square leg for a biggie.

FIFTY up for Janith Liyanage, a very well-measured and crucial knock, his 7th ODI half century as well. Fractionally short on off, Liyanage rocks back and punches it down to long on for a single.

Short ball, bowled quicker and at the batter, Mendis rocks back and pulls it down to long leg for one more.

Excellent running! Tossed up, full and around off, Liyanage eases it towards cover for a quick single and moves on to 49.

FOUR! Drags it down and pays the price, does Nawaz. A long hop over middle, Janith Liyanage rocks back and pulls it aerially to the right of deep mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.

Powerplay 3! Into the final 10 overs we go and the first innings is set up for a blistering finish with both sides looking to wrestle for momentum heading into the innings break. Pakistan can now have as many as 5 fielders outside the inner ring as well.

Quicker one, on the pads, Kamindu Mendis blocks this around mid-wicket.

FOUR! Carrom ball, around the pads, Kamindu Mendis reads it well, gets inside the line of it and flicks this fine and away to the left of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary.

Tossed up on off, Kamindu Mendis finds the fielder.

Tossed up on the pads, Janith Liyanage flicks this through square leg for one.

Fuller around middle and leg, Janith Liyanage goes for the sweep but misses out and is hit on the left shoulder.

Floated wide of off, Janith Liyanage cuts this to deep third for a couple.

Abrar Ahmed (8-0-30-3) is brought back into the attack.

Good length around off, Kamindu Mendis drives this to mid off for no run.

Ona length around the pads, Kamindu Mendis flicks this through square leg for a double.

On a length wide outside off, KM swings and misses.

Pitched up around off, Kamindu Mendis lofts this back past the bowler for a couple.

Short pitched around off, Janith Liyanage fends this through mid-wicket for one.

Hard length around off, Kamindu Mendis drives this through cover for one.

Back of a length on the pads, Kamindu Mendis pulls this to deep backward square leg for one.

Good length on off, Kamindu Mendis blocks.

On a length around off, Janith Liyanage cuts this to deep third for one.

Short and wide of off, Kamindu Mendis carves this through backward point for one.

Good length on off, Janith Liyanage cuts this through point for a single.

Wasim hits the hard length on off, Janith Liyanage blocks.

FOUR! Kamindu has been pulling well so far. Short pitched on middle and off, Kamindu plants his front foot towards the line of it and pulls it into the empty pocket towards the cow corner for a boundary.

Short and wide again, around off. Janith Liyanage this time does enough to guide this through short third for one.

Short and wide of off, Janith Liyanage guides this to point for no run.

Short pitched around middle and off, Janith Liyanage ducks down.

Good length around off, Kamindu Mendis punches this to sweeper cover for one.

On a length around middle and off, Janith Liyanage gets inside the line of it and flicks this towards the deep mid-wicket region and takes three as Mohammad Wasim cuts it off in front of the fence.

FOUR! An educated edge for a boundary behind the stumps. On a length, wide of off, Kamindu Mendis slashes hard at it. Gets a thickish outside edge that takes the ball away from the keeper to his left for a boundary.

Good length on the pads, Janith Liyanage tucks this to deep square leg for one.

WIDE! A wild bumper, way too high. Wided.

Bumper, around middle and off, Janith Liyanage ducks.

Good length wide of off, Kamindu Mendis punches this to deep point for one.

On a length, going across the batter. Kamindu Mendis without much footwork throws his bat at it but misses out.

On a length around middle and off, Janith Liyanage strides on top of the bounce and drives this to deep cover for a single.

Back of a length, angling across the batter. Kamindu Mendis looks to cut but gets it off the under edge back to the bowler.

On a length around off, Kamindu Mendis drives this crisply but straight to short cover.

Shah hits the hard length on the pads, Janith Liyanage works this to deep square leg for one.

Good length around off, Janith Liyanage pushes this to cover for no run.

Bumper, around leg. Janith Liyanage sits under.

Good length on the pads, Kamindu Mendis pulls this to deep mid-wicket for one.

On a length, going down the leg. Kamindu Mendis flicks it to deep square leg for one.

Good length on the pads, Janith Liyanage flicks this through square leg for one.

WIDE! Effort delivery, but Rauf bowls it down the leg. Wided.

Good length on the pads, Kamindu Mendis qorks this through square leg for one.

SIX! PULLED AWAY! Kamindu Mendis is not messing around. Back of a length, angling into the batter, Kamindu Mendis clears his front foot from the line of the delivery and pulls it in front of square for a huge six.

Good length around off, Kamindu Mendis thumps this back to the bowler to his right.

On a length around middle and off, Janith Liyanage cuts this to deep point for one.

FOUR! Up and over for a boundary. Right in the slot from Naseem, slanting into the batter. Kamindu Mendis stays leg side to the pitch of it and lofts this up and over mid on for a boundary. Kamindu spoils a tidy over from Naseem.

Pitched up around off, Kamindu Mendis drives this to mid off for a dot.

Naseem hits the hard length on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket for a dot.

Back of a length around off, Janith Liyanage punchesthis off his back foot for a single towards cover.

LEG BYE! On a length, going down the leg, Kamindu Mendis goes for the pick up flick but misses out. Gets it deflected off the pads through square leg for a leg bye.

Good length on the pads, Kamindu Mendis nudges this to mid-wicket.

LEG BYE! Back of a length on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis gets it flicks off the pads towards square leg for one.

Hits the hard length on off, Kamindu Mendis tucks this to mid on for no run.

Drinks break! Haris Rauf gives his side the breakthrough at a crucial time and Sadeera Samarawickrama will be kicking himself as he had done a stellar job of rebuilding the innings alongside Janith Liyanage till then. The next few overs become all the more crucial as the Lankans will be looking to keep wickets in hand heading into the final 10 overs and on the other hand Pakistan will be hoping for a wicket or two more to really get a firm grip on this first innings. With that said, Kamindu Mendis walks out to bat at number 7.

OUT! TIMBER! Rauf delivers as Sadeera Samarawickrama gets castled. Rauf hits the hard length on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks to pull this around mid-wicket but the ball doesn't bounce enough and keeps a shade low. Sadeera Samarawickrama swings over it and the ball sneaks past the bat onto the stumps.

Back of a length on off, Janith Liyanage dabs this in front of cover for one.

Good length wide of off, Janith Liyanage guides this to the right of Naseem Shah at deep third. Naseem Shah misfields and one turns to two.

On a length around middle and leg, Janith Liyanage defends this out.

SIX! Up and over for a biggie. Tossed up on the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama gets down on a knee and sweeps this. Keeps it uppish and clears the fence towards long leg with ease for a huge six.

Tossed up on the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama sweeps this behind square for a couple.

Full and wide of off, Janith Liyanage chips this to sweeper cover for one. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

Full and wide of off, Sadeera Samarawickrama smashes this to the right of Babar Azam at point and he does well to stretch his hand and take the sting out of it. Babar only half-stops it and the batters take one.

Tossed up on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama blocks.

Fuller on the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama works this to square leg for no run.

Saim Ayub switches ends now.

Full and darted in towards the toes, Liyanage jams it across to mid-wicket.

Oh, unlucky for the batter as that was another fine shot. Pitches the ball up outside off, Janith Liyanage smacks it on the up but fails to beat the fielder at extra cover.

FOUR! Hammered away and Haris Rauf is all over the place with his line and lengths. Fractionally short but well outside off, Liyanage reaches out and cuts it well wide of deep third for a boundary.

A bit fuller in length and well outside off, Samarawickrama throws the hands at it and slashes it to the left of sweeper cover for a single.

Back of a length and around off, shooting up off the deck, Samarawickrama looks to rock back and punch but mistimes it badly.

Starts the new spell with a half volley outside off, Janith Liyanage plays an eye-catching cover drive through the infield. Mohammad Wasim runs across to his right in the deep but fails to pick up the ball. He scurries back and manages to save the boundary but the batters pick up three runs.

FOUR LEG BYES! Down the wrong line from Nawaz and he pays the price. Floated up, very full and just down leg, Samarawickrama sits down to sweep but misses and the ball clips the pads, running away into the fine leg fence. 10 off that over and this partnership is bringing Sri Lanka right back in this contest.

Flights it up a bit more and bowls it on off, Samarawickrama blocks it off.

Good running! Flatter one outside off, this one stays low, Liyanage backs away and jams it down to the left of the cover fielder and skips through for a single.

Tossed up around middle, eased away down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Tossed up on leg stump, Sadeera Samarawickrama skips down the pitch and flicks it over mid-wicket and the ball rolls away into the vacant fence behind.

Floated wide of the off stump, driven square on the off side but straight to cover-point.

Oh, that's a bit risky from Liyanage! Quicker delivery, not all that full and around off stump, Janith Liyanage looks to cut too close from the body and nearly ends up chopping the ball back onto the stumps.

Nice and full on off, looking for some turn, Liyanage watchfully eases it towards cover.

Floated up on a good length around off, Samarawickrama taps it towards the cover region and picks up an easy single.

A tad short and on off, Samarawickrama pushes it off the back foot to the right of the bowler but Saim Ayub makes a good diving stop.

Full and straight now, Samarawickrama turns it towards square leg.

Quicker one on off, darting back in, Samarawickrama hangs back and runs it off the face of the blade to short third.

Tossed up around middle, Liyanage steps out and almost gets yorked as he edges it down to short third.

Slows it up a bit more and bowls it right at the toes, Janith looks to use his feet but has to block it off.

Good use of the feet and a well-controlled shot as well from Samarawickrama. Tossed up on the stumps, Sadeera steps out and clips it aerially and wide of long on. Naseem Shah runs to his right and makes the stop but the batters manage to pick up thre runs.

Quicker one, darted into the pads, Janith tucks it away just behind square leg and turns the strike over.

A bit slower and fuller around off, played late by Liyanage towards backward point.

Oh, a fumble in the deep and that allows the batters to pick up the second run. Quick and flat outside off, Janith Liyanage rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a brace.

Nicely flighted, full and straight, Samarawickrama nudges it across to mid-wicket.

On the shorter side and outside off, this is played off the back foot and in front of squae on the off side for a single.

Flatter delivery around off, Samarawickrama goes back in his crease and taps it down wide of short third for another single.

Tossed up, too full and on off, drven away to long off for a run.

A bit full again, in line with the stumps and this is the one that goes away from the right-hander. Liyanage watchfully defends.

Starts with a very full ball around off, Samarawickrama pushes it wide of mid off and picks up a single.

Flatter one, angled into the pads, Samarawickrama nudges it past square leg and picks up a single in the deep.

Drags this one down outside off, Liyanage backs away and hits it towards deep point for another single.

Nagging length, floated up on middle, this is pushed down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Fractionally short and just outside off, Samarawickrama hangs back and uses the pace of the ball to just angle it wide of first slip and the ball rolls away into the deep third fence.

Tossed up on off, driven straight back past the bowler and down to long off for a single by Liyanage.

Full and outside off, eased off the front foot through covers for a single.

Half a shout for LBW from the bowler but the umpire turns it down. Another googly, bowled outside off, Liyanage lunges to defend but doesn't get to the pitch of the ball and gets hit on the pads.

The wrong'un now, landing on off and turning back in, Liyanage leans on to block but nearly gets beaten through the gate.

Drops this one short and bowls it a tad outside off, Samarawickrama stays back and taps it wide of point for one more.

Tap and run! Bowled around off, Janith pushes it into the off side an picks up a quick single.

Flatter delivery, pushed through around off, kept out by Liyanage.

SIX! That's great intent and footwork from Janith Liyanage. Tossed up around middle, Liyanage is quick to step out of the crease and gets to the pitch of the ball, wristily whipping it wide of long on for a six.

Floated around middle, not all that full, Samarawickrama leans on to block but the ball catches the handle of the bat.

Flatter delivery on off, Janith rocks back and hits it across, in front of mid-wicket for a single. The 100 comes up Sri Lanka with that single.

Flighted again, a bit fuller and on the stumps this time and Liyanage blocks it off.

Lovely bowling! Tossed up around off, this one angles in but pitches and turns away a touch. Janith Liyanage looks to defend but is beaten past the outside edge.

Floats it up a bit and outside off, Janith Liyanage checks his shot and eases it towards covers.

Fired in around off, nagging length as well, Liyanage stays back and taps it down to backward point.

Pushed thtough a bit quicker, keeping it full and around off, Samarawickrama lunges to defend.

Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, Samarawickrama watchfully blocks it off.

A bit shorter and around off, Janith Liyanage backs away and forces the ball past point for a single to get off the mark.

Flatter one, on a length and around off, Liyanage rocks back and jams it down to point.

Janith Liyanage walks out next.

OUT! LBW! A loud appeal for LBW and up goes the umpire's finger. Charith Asalanka has a chat with Samarawickrama and decides to review it. A lovely bit of bowling from Abrar Ahmed and he completely beats Asalanka with the flight. It is the wrong'un that lands on middle and leg and turns as well. Asalanka looks to work it leg side but gets beaten all ends up and gets pinged on the pads. The third umpire checks UltraEdge first and there's no bat involved and Ball Tracking goes on to show that the ball would have hit the middle of middle stump. The on-field decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their skipper now as Abrar gets his third wicket.

FOUR! That will break the shackles a bit for Sri Lanka. Lobbed up, full and outside off, Charith Asalanka picks it early, sits down and sweeps it well behind square leg for a boundary.

Nice and full around off, Samarawickrama leans on and strokes it back to the bowler.

Flatter one, on a tight line around off, Charith Asalanka backs away and cuts it past point for a single.

A bit more flighted and on a nagging length around off, Asalanka rocks back to defend.

On the shorter side again, floated on the pads, Asalanka shuffles to the off side and nudges it down to square leg.

Shorter one now and on middle, Samarawickrama presses back and tucks it wide of mid on for a single.

Beaten! Flighted full and on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama leans on to push at it but the ball turns away, beating the outside edge by a whisker.

Flicker from Abrar, wide of off, Charith Asalanka pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside.

Fuller on the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks this through square leg for one.

Floated onto the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama blocks.

Tossed up on middle and off, Charith Asalanka sweeps it to deep backward square leg for one.

Skipper, Charith Asalanka is in next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Kusal Mendis misreads the length on this one and hits it straight into the hands of Mohammad Nawaz at mid-wicket. Pushed through on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis goes onto the back foot and looks to pull it over mid-wicket. Mistimes the pull and hits it to the lone fielder inside the circle on the leg side for a soft dismissal. Mohammad Nawaz makes no mistake and pouches this. Kusal Mendis departs after scoring 20.

Fuller around off, Kusal Mendis dabs it to point for a dot.

Fuller on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis drills this to long off for one.

Fired onto the pads, Kusal Mendis blocks this to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Carved away for a boundary. Short and wide of off, Kusal Mendis goes deep inside his crease, plays this late and cuts this right between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Floated on off, Kusal Mendis blocks back to the bowler.

Under cutter around off, Kusal Mendis cuts this to backward point for no run.

Nawaz starts with a quicker one, on the pads, Sadeera Samarawickrama works this away through mid on for one.

Pushed through on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama hangs onto the back foot and rolls this through mid on for one.

FLoated into the sticks, Kusal Mendis works this through square leg for one.

Fuller, wide of off, Sadeera Samarawickrama drives this through extra cover for one.

Tossed up on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama punches this to cover for no run.

Tossed up on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama blocks.

Fuller on middle and leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama flicks this to mid-wicket.

Yorker on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama jams this towards square leg for one.

WIDE! Bumper, a bit too high, SS leaves it. Wided.

Good length around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama pulls this but straight to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Authoritative from Sadeera Samarawickrama. Back of a length around middle and leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama hangs onto his back foot and pulls this through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Wasim hits the hard length around off, Kusal Mendis dabs this to the third man region for one.

Bumper, going across the batter. Kusal Mendis sits under it.

LEG BYE! On a length, going down the leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama misses out on the flick but gets it deflected off the pads towards square leg for a leg bye.

Full and wide of the stumps around off, Sadeera punches this in the gap for one.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushes this straight to the fielder.

Fuller on middle and off, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushesthis back to the bowler.

Floated on middle and leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama blocks.

Fired on middle and off, Kusal Mendis rolls this to long off for one.

Carrom ball on off, Kusal Mendis blocks this to point.

Good length wide of off, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks to smash this through cover but misses out.

Good length on off, Kusal Mendis flicks this grounded towards deep square for one.

Back of a length around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama guides this to third man region for a single.

Good length around off, Kusal Mendis punches this to deep point for one.

FOUR! A boundary after some while. Wasim errs in line and bowls it down the leg, Kusal Mendis leans inside the line of it and flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a welcome boundary.

Good length on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis blocks this towards the onside.

Darted onto the pads, Kusal Mendis goes onto his back foot and tucks this through square leg for a single.

Quicker one on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis pushes this to cover.

Floated on off, Kusal Mendis defends this well.

Tossed up on middle and off, Sadeera Samarawickrama drivesthis through cover for a single.

Fuller on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama blocks.

Drinks break! A bit of the same old story for Sri Lanka thus far and all the good work they did in the first 9.4 overs, it seems like they are starting to throw it away. The openers seemed in command to begin with but have now both perished and Pakistan are right back in it. Still a long way to go in the first innings but for now, the hosts have the momentum and Sri Lanka will have two new batters at the crease as well. Let's see if the Lankans can weather the storm. Also, Sadeera Samarawickrama comes out to bat next.

OUT! STUMPED! Floated around off, Kamil Mishara looks to punch this around cover but misses out. Mohammad Rizwan gathers this behind the stumps and removes the bails in a flash. Kamil Mishara did drag his back foot out of the crease while looking to drive it away. The umpires have sent this upstairs for a stumping check. It looked tight on the replay as Kamil's back foot might just be on the line. After several replays, the TV umpire decides that indeed the batter did not have anything behind the crease and Kamil Mishara departs for 27.

Short and wide of off, Kusal Mendis cuts this to deep third's right for two.

A bit too full around middle and leg, Kusal Mendis nudges this through mid-wicket for two this time.

Good length on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis works this to mid-wicket for no run.

Wasim drags his length back and bowls it on a good length around off, Kusal Mendis thumps this straight to cover.

Full and wide of off, Kusal Mendis leans towards the pitch of the delivery and punches this to cover.

On a length around middle and off, Kamil Mishara tucks this to the left of mid on and rotates.

Tossed up around off, Kusal Mendis dabs this to the bowler's left for a dot.

Floated around off, Kamil Mishara pushes this wide to the right of cover for a single.

Quicker one, around middle and leg, Kusal Mendis works this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted on off, Kusal Mendis flicks this to mid on for no run.

Tossed up around off, Kamil drives this from the bottom of his bat to mid off and rotates the strike.

Fuller on off, Kamil Mishara drives this to sweeper cover for a couple.

On a length around off, Kamil Mishara punches this in the gap for one.

Good length wide of off, Kamil Mishara goes for the pull but misses out.

Wasim hits the hard length on off, Kamil Mishara blocks it out.

Good length around off, lack of bounce again, Kamil Mishara drives this to extra cover.

Back of a length around middle and off, Kamil Mishara looks to pull this through square leg but misses out as the ball doesn't bounce as much as Kamil expected it to.

Good length on middle and off, Kamil Mishara punches this through point for a single.

POWERPLAY 2! The fielding side will now be allowed a maximum of 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Nicely bowled! Floated up on a nagging length and around off, the ball grips a touch as well. Kusal Mendis pushes at it and miscues it towards cover-point. Sri Lanka are 51/1 after the first 10 overs.

Kusal Mendis walks out at 3.

OUT! PATHUM NISSANKA IS RUN OUT! Abrar Ahmed comes around the wicket and offers a bit more flight, landing it full and around off. Kamil Mishara leans on to block but gets an outside edge that trickles down to deep third. Naseem Shah from short third chases after it and puts in a slide to make the stop. Mohammad Wasim from short fine leg makes the support run as the batters pick up two. However, the batters look to sneak in the third run as Naseem fumbles the ball but Wasim picks it up and fires in a rocket throw at the keeper's end. Mohammad Rizwan collects it on the half-volley and whips off the bails in a flash as Nissanka puts in a desperate dive. The replays show that Nissanka is well short and Pakistan pick up their first wicket.

Nicely tossed up, full and around off, driven along the turf and down to long off for a single.

On a length, floated up around off, Nissanka punches it down to extra cover. He looks for a single but it isn't there.

Dragged length on off, looking for some turn, Nissanka rocks back and pushes it into the off side.

Bowls it full and drifts it in towards middle, Nissanka watchfully defends it out.

Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack.

Hits the hard length and bowls it around middle, Mishara stays put and pats the ball back down to the bowler.

Pitches the ball up on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara plays it on the up and drives it towards mid off.

Back of a length and around off, Nissanka looks to hang back and pull but is a bit late on the shot and inside-edge it behind square leg for a single.

Fuller in length, on the fourth stump line, Nissanka punches it sweetly but straight to the short cover fielder.

Switches to over the wicket and serves it on a good length on off. Mishara taps the ball down to mid on and sneaks in a quick single.

Begins from around the wicket and bowls it full into the pads. Mishara plays with a straight bat and pushes it back to the bowler.

A bit fuller and on off stump, Nissanka leans halfway forward and looks to defend but gets it off the outside half of the blade towards cover-point.

On a hard length and just outside off, eased on the up but straight to the cover fielder.

Wide! Dug in short again but angled down the leg side and Nissanka leaves it alone for a wide.

Banged in well short and outside off at almost 142 kph. Pathum Nissanka hops up and looks to drags the pull wide of mid on but ends up hitting a tennis forehand smash just to the right of the mid on fielder, who makes a good stop.

Drags the length back and bowls it around the top of off, Nissanka presses back and defends with a straight bat.

FOUR! Classy from Nissanka! A touch too full and too straight, Nissanka walks inside the line and wrists it off the pads past square leg and into the vacant fence behind for four more runs.

Good length on off, attacking the stumps, Nissanka hangs back to defend.

Hard length around middle, tucked away through square leg for a single.

Brilliant stop! Fractionally short and well outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets right on top of the bounce and hammers it wide of point but Saim Ayub makes an athletic stop and saves a certain boundary.

Similar length but much straighter and Mishara is able to tuck it wide of mid on for a single.

Lovely delivery! Gets the length spot-on, does Naseem as he lands it just a few inches back of a full length. Kamil Mishara is drawn into the drive and the ball just cuts across beating the outside edge.

Pitches the ball up on middle and leg, Mishara looks to drive straight but gets it more off the outside half of the blade and towards cover.

Lands the ball full and wide outside off at 140 kph, Mishara reaches out and looks to smack it past point but mistimes it straight to the fielder.

Too full and wide from Rauf, Mishara just leans into the shot and drives it through extra cover. Salman Agha chases it down from mid off but the batters do well to pick up 3 runs. 10 runs off that over and so far, Rauf has had a torrid time with the new ball.

FOUR! Full and in the channel around off, Kamil Mishara looks to go for the expansive drive, but the ball cuts back in a bit and takes the inside edge. Luckily for Mishara, the ball beats the stumps and runs away into the fine leg fence.

Bowled from wider on the crease and angled into the pads, Nissanka gets his head down and clips it to the left of mid-wicket. The fielder over there gets a hand on it and the batters pick up another single.

Fuller and straighter on the stumps, punched back past the bowler. Salman Agha moves swiftly to his left from mid off and cuts it out, restricting the batters to a single.

Wide! On a good length around middle, pushing the ball into the left-hander but this one slips well down the leg side for another extra.

Goes fuller now, pitching it around off and angling it back in, Kamil Mishara makes another watchful block.

Short of a good length, angled into the batter's body, Mishara nudges it down into the off side.

Oh, nicely bowled! The in-between length, lands it on the fifth stump line and gets it to dart back in sharply off the deck. Nissanka hangs back and manages to block it off.

Pitches the ball up around off stump, slanting it away, Mishara leans on and caresses it wide of mid off for a single.

Good bumper! Dug in short over middle and leg, and right at the batter. Kamil Mishara ducks under it well.

Pitched up on middle, angling back in, Nissanka leans on and just clips it to the right of mid-wicket for an easy single.

FOUR! Good shot! Full and outside off, not all that wide but Nissanka does well to open the face of the blade and glide it to the right of point for a boundary.

Wide! Good length, angled well down the leg side for a wide.

Oh, that's a good surprise delivery from Naseem and it almost does the job as well. Full and straight, nails the straight yorker with a hint of late swing as well. Nissanka does well to get his bat down in time and keep it out.

Perfect length, on off and angling back in, Mishara solidly blocks it off.

In the air but will clear the inner ring! Banged in short and outside off, Kamil Mishara fetches the ball and looks to pull but ends up dragging it just over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Goes wide of the crease again and angles a hard-length ball onto the pads, Nissanka nudges it down to deep backward square leg for a single.

Too full and too wide again from Rauf, driven gently through the cover region for a couple of runs.

Full and straight, searching for a bit more swing. Mishara drives it straight back and Rauf just gets his right hand on it. The ball goes to the left of mid off and the batters pick up a single.

Back of a length, angling in from the fifth stump line, Mishara stays upright and punches it sweetly but straight to the cover fielder.

Nice and full on middle, darting away slightly, Pathum Nissanka stays solid in defense. Just the leg bye off that over.

Very full on leg and swinging back into the left-hander. Kamil Mishara looks to flick but plays over it and gets it off the pads through short fine leg for a leg bye.

A bit fuller and around lg stump, taregting the pads, Mishara leans forward and eases it towards mid on.

On middle and off this time, sliding right on, Mishara taps it on the up towards mid off.

On a good length on middle and leg, angling back in a touch as well and Mishara defends it back to the bowler.

Pitches the ball up around middle, looking to shape it back into the left-hander but Mishara solidly blocks it off.

Rauf goes wide of the crease, pushing the ball back into the right-hander from outside off. Nissanka punches it down towards cover.

Short of a length and well outside off, this one doesn't bounce at all as Nissanka makes a leave.

FOUR! Oh, that could have easily gone back onto the stumps. Just back of a length and around off, Nissanka rocks back to punch it through covers but the ball jags back in and takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps to roll into the fine leg fence.

Keeps the length relatively full and attacks the pads, Mishara tucks it down to long leg for a single.

Wide! Rizwan gets a crucial glove on it. Even fuller and slanting it well down the leg side at over 142 kph, Mishara fails to flick and Rizwan has to spring sharply to his right to save a potential boundary.

Fuller in length, darting back into the batter's pads, Mishara defends it with a straight bat.

FOUR! That was begging to be hit! Starts around the wicket, does Rauf and serves a short and wide one. Kamil Mishara stands tall and spanks the ball away through the big gap at covers for a boundary to get going.

Who will operate from the other end? Haris Rauf it is!

Good length, in the channel outside off and shaping away from the right-hander. Nissanka makes a watchful leave and Sri Lanka are 5/0 after the first over.

On target this time from Naseem. Hard length on off and middle, at 138.6 kph and this one slides right on. Pathum defends it from inside the crease.

Too full and too wide outside off, swinging away, Nissanka lets it through to the keeper.

Wide! Keeps the length full and slides it down the leg side, Nissanka misses the flick and a wide is called.

Much better from Naseem! A bit fuller and on a much tighter line around off, Nissanka watchfully defends it out.

FOUR! Top shot to get off the mark from Nissanka. Back of a length, a bit wide outside off again and Nissanka just presses back on his toes and punches it sweetly through cover-point for a boundary, the first one of the game.

A gentle outswinger from Naseem to begin with. Good length but wide outside off, Pathum Nissanka goes chasing after it and gets beaten past the outside edge.

We are all set to start the action! The two umpires have stepped on the field and so are the players of Pakistan to take their respective fielding positions. Pathum Nissanka will open with Kamil Mishara to start the inning for Sri Lanka. Naseem Shah will have the job to start with the new ball. Here we go...

PITCH REPORT - Former Pakistani pacer, Waqar Younis, is inspecting the deck. He says that the surface has definitely changed from the last one and this pitch is a lot more abrasive. Adds that the heavy roller has been used extensively and there's hardly any grass left on the deck. Reckons that the surface will still be good for batting but the spinners will have a bigger role to play as well.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that the surface looks different than the other day but it looks like a decent pitch. Adds that even though they lost the first game, there were a lot of positives but the last 15 overs were an area of concern. Informs that they have one change as Pramod Madushan comes in for Maheesh Theekshana.

Pakistan's stand-in captain, Salman Agha, elected to bowl first, citing the presence of dew on the field as a factor in their decision-making. Agha stated that they aim to start the game strongly, emphasizing the importance of a good beginning in white-ball cricket. Agha mentioned that Shaheen Afridi is out of the game due to the flu, while Faheem Ashraf is resting. Salman informed that Mohammad Wasim and Abrar Ahmed are replacing Shaheen and Faheem.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, and Pramod Madushan (In for Maheesh Theekshana).

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim (In for Shaheen Afridi), Abrar Ahmed (In for Faheem Ashraf), Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

TOSS - Salman Agha wins the toss and Pakistan will BOWL first.

All eyes will be on the Rawalpindi pitch once again, which is expected to remain batting-friendly with an average first-innings score near 287, while still offering significant bounce and seam movement for the fast bowlers. The toss will be a key factor, as the team bowling first has shown a clear advantage in recent ODIs at this venue. For Sri Lanka, the match is a must-win to keep the series alive and force a decider, promising a high-stakes, competitive contest against a Pakistan side determined to wrap up a valuable home series victory. Stay tuned for the all-important toss and team news.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will enter the game with a point to prove, having fallen just six runs short in a high-scoring chase in the first ODI. Their batting showed promise with multiple players getting starts, but the crucial missing element was a batter converting their effort into a match-winning century, a feat that eluded even Wanindu Hasaranga's valiant late half-century. Expect the visitors, under captain Charith Asalanka, to make a few adjustments, potentially bolstering their bowling attack on a Rawalpindi surface that has historically assisted pacers, especially with the added advantage for chasing teams under lights.

Hello and a warm welcome to one and all! The second One-Day International between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is poised to be a crucial encounter, with the home side holding a narrow 1-0 lead after a thrilling series opener. Pakistan’s ability to recover from a top-order wobble in the first match, spearheaded by an unbeaten century from Salman Agha and a composed fifty from Hussain Talat, proved the difference. They successfully defended a target of 300, thanks in large part to a vital four-wicket burst from pace spearhead Haris Rauf. Carrying the winning momentum, Pakistan will be eager to seal the series, relying on their in-form middle order and the pace battery to deliver a decisive blow.

... MATCH DAY ...

Pakistan takes a slender 1-0 lead into the second One Day International in Rawalpindi, knowing that a win here will seal the series against a determined Sri Lankan side. The first match was a high-scoring thriller, decided by a narrow six-run margin, which proved that these two teams are closely matched despite the different routes they took to reach the finish line. Sri Lanka will be desperate to bounce back and level the series, turning the final game into a decider, while Pakistan will be aiming for a more clinical performance to wrap things up swiftly on their home ground. For Pakistan, the win was a massive success story for their middle order, who stepped up when the top order struggled. The century by Salman Ali Agha, paired with Hussain Talat's vital half-century, showed grit and the depth of Pakistan's batting. However, the team will be concerned by the bad starts in both innings. Their pacers struggled with line and length early in the chase, and the top-order batters also failed to build a foundation. Haris Rauf's destructive spell of 4/61 remains the blueprint for their bowling attack, and Pakistan will look for him, along with Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz, to be lethal right from the first ball. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has plenty of positives despite the defeat. Their opening batters started the chase brilliantly, showing they can handle the pace challenge. Also, their main weapon, Wanindu Hasaranga, was outstanding. Not only did he spin a web around the Pakistan middle-order with his three wickets, but his battling half-century nearly snatched an unlikely victory for his team. The primary concern for the visitors will be their collapses in both departments. They dominated with the ball initially before Agha and Talat took over, and they were cruising with the bat before Rauf triggered a massive slump. They need key batters like Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka to convert starts into big scores to reduce the pressure on their lower order. The game was originally scheduled to be played on the 13th of November but due to unfortunate events taking place in Islamabad, it has now been moved to the 14th of November. Given the nature of the Rawalpindi pitch, which typically favors the batters and saw Pakistan post nearly 300 runs in the first game, we can expect another high-scoring affair. With the series on the line for Sri Lanka, expect them to come out with aggressive changes, setting the stage for yet another crackerjack of a game.