AI Simulation, PAK vs SL | Pakistan hold off Sri Lanka in a nail-biting chase as Babar shines with a composed fifty

Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi offered a balanced wicket with true bounce, providing assistance to pacers in the initial overs before gradually favoring spinners as the innings progressed. Temperatures hovered between 18-22°C under clear skies, with light dew likely to make bowling in the final overs tricky. Early movement for seamers and the predictable subcontinental turn later in the innings meant both teams had to plan carefully around partnerships.

Toss

Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, capitalizing on early pace-friendly conditions and looking to exploit Sri Lanka’s vulnerability in the middle overs.

Lineups

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera

Match Report

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka cautiously negotiated the new ball before accelerating in the powerplay. Nissanka and Asalanka stitched together a pivotal 105-run partnership, taking advantage of occasional loose deliveries from the Pakistan pacers. Nissanka’s 68 came off 95 balls with eight boundaries, while Asalanka’s 55 included six fours and two sixes. However, Abrar Ahmed’s spin trio, including a 3-wicket burst, kept Pakistan in contention by breaking crucial partnerships in the middle overs. Despite contributions from Mendis and Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka were restricted to 272/8, leaving the match finely poised.

Pakistan’s chase began shakily as early wickets fell with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub back in the pavilion, but Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a measured 120-run partnership. Babar’s 82 off 90 balls, complemented by Rizwan’s 48, ensured Pakistan kept pace with the required rate while negotiating spin and seam. The lower middle-order, featuring Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat, played aggressively in the final overs to steer Pakistan past the target. Tight bowling from Hasaranga and Theekshana kept the tension high, but Pakistan reached 275/7 with just three deliveries remaining.

Player of the Match

Babar Azam was named Player of the Match for his composed 82, anchoring Pakistan’s chase and guiding them to a thrilling 3-wicket victory.

Scorecard