When Babar Azam walked out to bat on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, he carried more than just a bat—he carried the weight of a nation’s expectation. After 11 innings without a century, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s captain wasn’t just chasing runs; he was chasing redemption. And when he reached his hundred off 115 balls, the roar from the stands wasn’t just for the milestone—it was for the man who had carried Pakistan’s batting through years of instability. His knock wasn’t just a century. It was the series clincher.
A series on the line, a century on the line
Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted 288 for 7 in their 50 overs. The visitors looked competitive early, reaching 100 in 22.5 overs with just 8 extras, but their middle order never quite exploded. The 50-run stand between S Samarawickrama (21) and J Liyanage (25) kept them afloat, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. By the 30.5-over mark, they’d reached 150 with 12 extras—but couldn’t accelerate beyond that. Their total, while respectable, felt chaseable on a pitch that had flattened out by the second innings.Pakistan’s reply began with fire. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub smashed 50 runs in just 5.3 overs (34 balls), with 13 extras. Ayub’s aggressive 21 and Fakhar’s gritty 16 set the tone. At the drinks break in the 14th over, Pakistan were 92 for 1—Fakhar on 36, Babar on 9. The crowd was quiet, not out of fear, but because they sensed something bigger was coming.
The partnership that turned the tide
When Fakhar fell for 48, the pressure mounted. Enter Babar Azam, and with him, Mohammad Rizwan. The two had batted together before, but never under this kind of spotlight. Their 100-run stand came in just 93 balls—effortless, clinical, and utterly dominant. Babar, calm as ever, carved boundaries through the off-side with surgical precision. Rizwan, the anchor, played the perfect foil, cracking five fours and a six in his 50 off 53 balls. Neither looked flustered. Not even when the scoreboard ticked past 200. Not even when it passed 250 in the 41st over.By the time Babar reached his century—his first in 367 days—the stadium had gone from tense silence to thunderous euphoria. He raised his bat, eyes closed, as if savoring every second. It wasn’t just personal redemption. It was the moment Pakistan sealed the series. With 8.3 overs to spare, they crossed the line at 291 for 2. The win wasn’t just a victory. It was a statement.
Why this matters beyond the scoreboard
This wasn’t just about winning two out of three ODIs. It was about momentum. Pakistan, still rebuilding after years of international isolation and domestic turmoil, needed a series win on home soil to prove they’re back as a force. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, showed glimpses of fight but lacked the finishing punch. Their top order failed to capitalize on good starts, and their spinners were too expensive on a slow track.For Babar, this century ends a drought that had become a talking point in every press conference. Since his last ODI hundred—against South Africa in March 2024—he’d averaged just 29.8 in 11 innings. Critics questioned his form, his leadership, even his place in the team. Now, with this knock, those doubts have been silenced—for now.
And it’s not just Babar. The emergence of Saim Ayub as a reliable opener, Rizwan’s consistency at No. 4, and the calmness under pressure from the middle order suggest Pakistan’s batting spine is finally holding. This win moves them up in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League standings, a crucial factor in securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
What’s next? The final act in Lahore
The third and final ODI is set for November 16, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led the side in the first match and again in this one, has shown a clear preference for bowling first—a tactic that’s worked perfectly so far. The pitch in Lahore is expected to be even more batting-friendly, and with the series already won, Pakistan may look to blood younger players. But don’t expect them to take it easy. This team, now riding high, wants to finish with a statement.Behind the numbers: The details that tell the story
- Sri Lanka’s 288 included just 12 extras—efficient, but not explosive. - Pakistan’s powerplay 2 (overs 10.1–40.0) yielded 158 runs with only one wicket down. That’s dominance. - Babar’s century: 115 balls, 8 fours, 0 sixes. Classic Babar—precision over power. - Rizwan’s 50 came in 53 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. The perfect support act. - Pakistan chased 289 with 8.3 overs to spare. No panic. No drama.The numbers don’t lie. This wasn’t luck. It was execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Babar Azam’s century for Pakistan’s World Cup chances?
Babar’s century isn’t just personal—it’s strategic. With Pakistan sitting just outside the top 8 in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, consistent performances from senior batters are vital to secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup. His return to form adds stability to a top order that’s struggled since 2023, giving the team a reliable anchor in high-pressure chases.
Why did Pakistan keep winning the toss and choosing to field?
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and the coaching staff have noticed that pitches at Rawalpindi and Lahore tend to slow down after the first innings, making chasing more predictable. The dew factor in evening matches also helps pacers early, but spinners and batsmen benefit later. Fielding first has allowed Pakistan to control the game’s rhythm—especially with their strong middle order.
What does this series win mean for Sri Lanka’s rebuilding phase?
For Sri Lanka, this tour exposed their reliance on a few individuals. While Samarawickrama and Liyanage showed promise, the top order collapsed under pressure, and their spinners were expensive. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, they need more consistent contributions from players like Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal. This loss underscores the gap between emerging talent and match-winning consistency.
Is Babar Azam’s form a sign of a broader turnaround for Pakistan cricket?
Absolutely. Babar’s return coincides with improved fielding, disciplined bowling, and a more balanced top order. After years of inconsistent selection and poor overseas results, this series win on home soil signals a shift in culture. The team now has a clear identity: patient batting, smart captaincy, and aggressive death bowling. That’s the foundation for long-term success.
How does this result compare to Pakistan’s past performances against Sri Lanka?
Pakistan has historically dominated Sri Lanka at home, winning 11 of their last 14 bilateral ODI series on home soil since 2000. But recent years saw Sri Lanka push them harder—especially in 2021, when they won a 3-match series 2-1 in Lahore. This 2-0 lead in 2025 reasserts Pakistan’s home advantage and shows they’ve learned from past slip-ups, particularly in pressure situations.
What’s the likelihood of Babar Azam being named captain for the 2027 World Cup?
At 30, Babar is entering his prime. With consistent performances like this century, and his calm leadership under pressure, he’s the frontrunner for the 2027 World Cup captaincy. The PCB has shown no interest in replacing him despite past criticism. If he maintains this form through the next 18 months, he’ll be the face of Pakistan’s next generation in global cricket.
