Cricket finally returns to the forefront in Rawalpindi as Pakistan and Sri Lanka prepare for the second One-day International on Friday, following a turbulent stretch of off-field uncertainty that threatened to overshadow the series. What was meant to be a routine match week turned into two days of intense concern and negotiation after a terror attack in Islamabad on Tuesday raised alarms within the Sri Lankan contingent and cast doubt on the continuation of their tour.
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The match, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed after reports emerged suggesting several Sri Lankan players were reconsidering staying in Pakistan. Their apprehension was understandable given the circumstances, and it prompted swift action from Pakistan’s top authorities. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with senior security officials, met with the Sri Lankan delegation to provide detailed briefings and renewed assurances about the measures in place to protect the team.
By late Wednesday night, the situation had stabilised. Sri Lanka Cricket publicly reaffirmed its commitment to completing the tour, a gesture that revived confidence and drew appreciation across Pakistan. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed gratitude on behalf of his team, thanking Sri Lanka for their support during a challenging moment. His message, shared in a PCB video, reflected relief as well as respect for the visitors’ decision to continue.
Speculation that some Sri Lankan players might fly home and be replaced by reinforcements was firmly dismissed by team officials. Their manager confirmed that no such changes were planned and that the same squad would take the field in Rawalpindi. This reassurance means the visitors will be at full strength as they chase a series-levelling win after falling short by just six runs in the opening match.
Pakistan’s victory in the first ODI showcased both brilliance and lingering concerns. The star performer was Salman Ali Agha, whose remarkable century rescued his team from a precarious position at 76-3. His composed and intelligent innings, supported by a crucial 138-run stand with Hussain Talat, pushed Pakistan to a total that proved just enough on the day.
Haris Rauf then produced a fiery spell with the ball, ripping through Sri Lanka’s top order and halting their chase at critical moments. His four-wicket burst shifted momentum and exposed cracks in Sri Lanka’s middle-order resilience. Pakistan ultimately defended the narrow lead, but the win highlighted flaws that remain unresolved.
The top order struggled once again, managing only 76 runs in the first 20 overs — a pattern that has consistently put pressure on Pakistan’s middle and lower batting lineup. Their bowlers also lacked early discipline, conceding 85 runs in just 12 overs before Haris’ intervention restored control. These inconsistencies will be on Shaheen Afridi’s radar as Pakistan look to seal the series with a cleaner, more rounded performance.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will take confidence from their aggressive start in the first ODI. Captain Charith Asalanka praised his bowlers for their early breakthroughs and his batters for keeping the chase alive for most of the match. However, he regretted the loss of composure during key phases and pointed out the costly decision-review errors, which left Sri Lanka without any challenges at a crucial moment. A tight lbw call against Hussain Talat, which replays later showed could have gone either way, added to their frustration.
With the series now delicately poised, both teams enter the second ODI with fresh focus. Pakistan aim to secure back-to-back ODI series wins, while Sri Lanka look to show resilience after adversity and force a decider. After days of tension and uncertainty, Friday’s clash will be an opportunity for both sides—and fans—to finally shift attention back to the game itself.
