2nd ODI: Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 289 runs

RAWALPINDI: In the second One Day International, Sri Lanka has set Pakistan a target of 289 runs to win.

Batting first at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka scored 288 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Janith Liyanage played a brilliant innings of 54 runs, while Kamindu Mendis added 44 and Sudhira Samaraweera scored 42. Wanindu Hasaranga remained unbeaten on 37.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf took three wickets each, while Mohammad Wasim Jr claimed one.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi missed the match due to flu, with Salman Ali Agha leading the team in his absence. Speaking at the toss, Salman Ali Agha said fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr was included in place of Shaheen Afridi, and after resting all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, spinner Abrar Ahmed was reinstated in the squad.

The match provides Pakistan with a crucial opportunity to win the ODI series for the second consecutive time, following 48 hours of uncertainty that had overshadowed the series.

Originally scheduled for Thursday, the match was delayed after a terrorist attack in Islamabad on Tuesday raised security concerns at the Sri Lankan camp. Reports suggested some Sri Lankan players considered leaving the tour. However, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held lengthy meetings with security officials to assure the visiting team of complete protection.

By Wednesday night, the situation improved, and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board decided to continue the series. Rumours of some players returning home and replacements being drafted were immediately dismissed by the Sri Lankan team manager, confirming no changes in the touring squad.

With these assurances, the visiting team took the field in full strength, aiming to level the series after a narrow defeat in the first match.