Second ODI: Sri Lanka set 289-run target for Pakistan

Rawalpindi: In the second ODI, Sri Lanka has set Pakistan a target of 289 runs for victory.

Batting first in the match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka scored 288 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Janith Liyanage played a brilliant innings of 54 runs. Kamindu Mendis contributed 44, Sadeera Samarawickrama added 42, and Wanindu Hasaranga remained unbeaten on 37.

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

It is worth noting that captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is missing the match due to the flu, with Salman Ali Agha leading the team in his absence.

Speaking at the toss, Salman Ali Agha said that fast bowler Naseem Shah Jr. was included in place of Shaheen Afridi, while all-rounder Faheem Ashraf was rested and spinner Abrar Ahmed was recalled to the squad.

This match provides Pakistan an important opportunity to win their second consecutive ODI series, following 48 hours of uncertainty that had overshadowed the game.

The match was originally scheduled for Thursday, but a terrorist attack in Islamabad on Tuesday caused concern in the Sri Lankan camp and disrupted the schedule.

Reports suggested some Sri Lankan players were considering leaving the tour; however, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi assured the visiting team of complete security after extensive meetings with authorities.

By Wednesday night, the situation had improved, and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed that the series would continue.

Rumors about some players returning home and being replaced were promptly dismissed by the Sri Lankan team manager, who confirmed that no changes would be made to the touring squad.

With this assurance, the visiting team will take the field in Rawalpindi at full strength, aiming to level the series after a narrow loss in the first ODI.