Azam ends century drought as Pakistan seal Sri Lanka ODI series
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Babar Azam hit his first international century since August 2023 to lift Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second day-night international on Friday. Azam notched an unbeaten 102 for his 20th one-day international century to help Pakistan overtake Sri Lanka’s 289-run target at Rawalpindi Stadium. The win gave Pakistan a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series with the final match on Sunday. Pakistan won the first match by six runs — all in Rawalpindi. Arriving at the crease amidst a huge roar from the crowd after opener Saim Ayub fell for 33 in the 10th over, Azam played his famous cover drives to perfection. He reached the three-figure mark with a pulled single off pacer Pramod Madushan, raised his bat to the crowd before bowing to the ground. Azam had gone 33 ODI innings without a hundred and 82 innings in all, including Tests and Twenty20 internationals. Azam added a 100-run stand for the second wicket with Fakhar Zaman who scored an aggressive 78 with a six and eight boundaries to set up a successful chase. Sri Lanka fumbled in the field, dropping Zaman on 20, 28 and 78 before Janith Liyanage pulled off a stunner off pacer Dushmantha Chameera but it was too late. Building on the platform, Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 51 not out, added another 112 for the unbroken third wicket stand with Azam deservedly hitting the winning single. Azam cracked eight boundaries while Rizwan’s knock had a six and five boundaries. A delighted Azam said: “I was also waiting for my century, so I am thankful to the Almighty,” said Azam.