‌AI Simulation, PAK vs SL | Pakistan clinch series with tense win as Shaheen Afridi leads from front

Today at 7:43 PM

As per ChatGPT, Pakistan will secure the ODI series over Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, courtesy of some disciplined bowling under Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam half-centuries took Pakistan to 284/6, before Afridi’s three-fer earned a 22-run win.

Shaheen Afridi's 3/42 helped Pakistan defend a target of 285 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi

Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi produced a pitch with a light covering of grass, offering seamers some early assistance before flattening out under lights to favor stroke play. Temperatures hovered around 24 °C, with a gentle evening breeze. Mild dew later in the day made batting slightly easier but also required bowlers to execute precise lines and lengths to maintain control.

Toss

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit early seam movement and put Pakistan under pressure in the powerplay.

Lineups

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

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

Match Report

Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early but Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam steadied the innings with a 92-run partnership for the third wicket. Zaman’s 63 came off 74 balls with seven boundaries, while Azam’s 84 included six fours and a six, anchoring the innings as Rizwan accelerated the scoring with 47 from 41 deliveries. Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, provided intermittent breakthroughs, removing Salman Agha and Hussain Talat, but timely contributions from Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf helped Pakistan post 284/6.

In reply, Sri Lanka started steadily as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put together 63 runs for the first wicket. Mendis played fluently, scoring 68 off 74 balls, while Asalanka added 38, keeping the chase on track. However, Shaheen Afridi’s incisive spell in the 38th over changed the momentum, removing Mendis and Asalanka in quick succession. Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf maintained pressure, and two direct-hit run-outs from Pakistan’s fielders further tilted the game in favor of the hosts. Despite some late hitting from Kamindu Mendis and Hasaranga, Sri Lanka fell short, as they were all out for 262 in 48.4 overs to handing Pakistan a 22-run victory that sealed the series 2-0 with a game to spare.

Player of the Match

Shaheen Afridi was named the player of the match for his decisive influence -- three wickets at the cost of just 42 runs, as well as astute captaincy that guided Pakistan through a tense chase. His spell in the middle overs broke the back of Sri Lanka’s chase and proved decisive in a tightly contested ODI.