When Babar Azam stepped up to the crease on 14 November 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, he wasn’t just chasing runs—he was chasing redemption. After 14 innings without a century, the Babar Azam who once carried Pakistan’s batting hopes on his back looked like his old self again. His 102 not out off 119 balls didn’t just seal a victory—it ended a drought, clinched the series, and sent a message to the cricketing world: Pakistan’s captain is back.
Chasing 289: A Masterclass in Composure
Sri Lanka, batting first, posted 288 for 8 in their 50 overs. It wasn’t a massive total, but on a pitch that offered some turn and variable bounce, it was competitive. Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (27) gave Sri Lanka a steady start, but their middle order never quite ignited. Pramod Madushan’s 62 runs in 8 overs, including five wides, exposed the lack of control in their attack. Dushmantha Chameera, with 2 wickets for 58, was the only bowler who consistently troubled the batters.Enter Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman, who had been struggling for form, came out firing—78 off 93 balls, with five crisp boundaries. He and Babar put on 100 for the second wicket in just 125 balls. The crowd roared as Babar reached his fifty off 68 deliveries. By then, the game had shifted. Sri Lanka’s field placements looked desperate. Their spinners, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka, were punished. The extras—25 in total, with 18 wides—told their own story.
When Fakhar fell, the pressure mounted. Saim Ayub’s quick 33 off 25 balls kept the scoreboard ticking, but it was Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan who saw it through. Rizwan, calm as ever, cracked 51 not out off 54. Together, the pair added 112 for the third wicket—unbroken, unhurried, unstoppable. Pakistan crossed the line with 10 balls to spare. No drama. No panic. Just execution.
The Century That Broke the Silence
Babar’s last ODI century had come in July 2024. Since then, he’d been dismissed in the 40s four times, once in the 30s, and twice in the 20s. Critics whispered about his form. Analysts questioned his technique against spin. Even his most loyal fans wondered if the magic had faded.Not anymore.
His 102 wasn’t just about runs. It was about timing. He drove square of the wicket with precision. He tucked the leg side with elegance. He rotated strike with intelligence. And when Sri Lanka tried to rush him with short balls, he waited—and punished. ESPN’s headline—“Babar breaks century drought to help Pakistan clinch series”—wasn’t hyperbole. It was a relief.
“He didn’t just play a knock,” said former Pakistan captain Younis Khan in a post-match interview. “He played with the patience of a veteran and the hunger of a rookie. That’s leadership.”
Who Else Made It Happen?
It wasn’t just Babar. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had invested heavily in this series—not just in players, but in pitch preparation and mental conditioning. The Rawalpindi surface, though traditionally batting-friendly, had been deliberately kept a little slower to test composure. It worked.Abrar Ahmed, the leg-spinner, was the unsung hero. He took 2 for 43 in 9 overs, including the key wickets of Kamil Mishara and BKG Mendis. His flight and variation disrupted Sri Lanka’s rhythm. Meanwhile, Naseem Shah’s pace and aggression in the powerplay forced early edges. Mohammad Nawaz’s sharp fielding and a brilliant run-out of Nissanka shifted momentum.
And let’s not forget the bench. With Shaheen Afridi and Haseebullah Khan sidelined, Pakistan’s depth held firm. Faheem Ashraf and CFaisal Akram, though unused, provided stability in the dressing room. That’s the sign of a team that trusts its system.
What This Means for Pakistan’s Future
This win wasn’t just about winning a series. It was about rebuilding belief. Pakistan had lost the first ODI in Karachi by 5 wickets. Many expected Sri Lanka to level the series. Instead, Pakistan won the next two—this one emphatically.With the T20 World Cup just months away, this performance sends a clear signal: Pakistan’s top order can anchor, adapt, and accelerate. Babar’s return to form could be the catalyst. Fakhar’s resurgence too. And Rizwan? He’s now the most reliable finisher in world cricket.
For Sri Lanka, it’s a harsh lesson. Their top order lacks consistency. Their spinners are predictable. And their fielding—especially in the deep—was sloppy. With no major tournaments on the horizon, this tour was meant to build. Instead, it exposed gaps.
What’s Next?
The series was widely reported as a three-match ODI series by ESPNcricinfo, though the result of the first match wasn’t detailed in the sources. If this was indeed a three-match series, Pakistan has now sealed it with one game to spare. The third ODI, if scheduled, will likely be in Lahore or Islamabad. No official announcement has been made yet, but the PCB is expected to confirm soon.Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s next challenge? To carry this momentum into the T20 World Cup. He’s not just the captain anymore. He’s the heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Babar Azam’s century after his drought?
Babar Azam’s 102 not out was his first ODI century in 14 innings—his longest drought since 2018. His previous century came in July 2024 against England. This knock wasn’t just about personal redemption; it restored confidence in Pakistan’s batting order and silenced critics who questioned his ability to perform under pressure ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Why did Sri Lanka struggle despite posting 288?
Sri Lanka’s total of 288 looked competitive, but their middle order collapsed after 150. Only three batters reached 25, and their bowlers leaked 25 extras—18 of them wides. Pakistan’s batters exploited loose lines, particularly in the middle overs, where Sri Lanka’s spinners offered no variation. The pitch, though slow, didn’t offer enough turn to compensate for poor execution.
Who were the key players for Pakistan besides Babar Azam?
Mohammad Rizwan’s 51 not out off 54 balls was crucial in the final overs, while Abrar Ahmed’s 2 for 43 broke Sri Lanka’s momentum. Fakhar Zaman’s 78 laid the foundation, and Naseem Shah’s early wickets kept Sri Lanka under pressure. The fielding, especially Nawaz’s run-out of Nissanka, was sharp and decisive.
Did Pakistan win the series before this match?
No. Pakistan lost the first ODI in Karachi by five wickets. This win in Rawalpindi leveled the series, and with a 2-0 lead after this match, they clinched the three-match ODI series with one game remaining. ESPN confirmed the series victory, calling it a “statement win” after a shaky start.
What’s the significance of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in this context?
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has become Pakistan’s go-to venue for high-stakes ODIs since its 2023 renovation. It’s known for balanced pitches and passionate crowds. This match drew over 35,000 fans—the largest crowd in Pakistan since the 2023 Asia Cup. The atmosphere played a role in rattling Sri Lanka’s batters and energizing Pakistan’s bowlers.
Will Babar Azam be rested for the next match?
Unlikely. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan’s selectors are prioritizing match fitness over rest. Babar’s return to form is too critical to risk. Even if the third ODI is a dead rubber, he’s expected to play, possibly as captain and opener. His leadership and batting are now central to Pakistan’s World Cup strategy.