Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the PAK vs SL series thanks to a thrilling six-run win over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi to open their three-match ODI series. A terrific unbeaten century from Salman Agha and an electric four-wicket spell by Haris Rauf proved decisive as Pakistan defended their total of 299/5 to take a series lead.
Salman Agha’s Ton and Late Flourish Lift Pakistan to 299
Asked to bat first, Pakistan got off to a cautious start after the early loss of Saim Ayub and managing just 28 runs in the first 10 overs. Fakhar Zaman attempted to raise the tempo with a six off Wanindu Hasaranga but was out stumped later for 32 off 55 balls. Hasaranga continued to create trouble for Pakistan’s top order, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam to leave the hosts struggling at 95/4 by the 24th over.
That’s when Salman Agha and Hussain Talat took control. The duo added 123 runs for the fifth wicket, rotating the strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries. Talat struck his maiden ODI fifty before falling to Maheesh Theekshana for 62.
Agha kept accelerating in the final overs, notching up his second ODI hundred. Mohammad Nawaz joined in on the fun, smashing 36* off 20 balls, including a six off Asitha Fernando and two boundaries in the final over. Their partnership powered Pakistan to 299/5-a total that proved just enough in the end.
Top Performers (Pakistan Innings):
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Salman Agha – 105* (106)
Hussain Talat – 62 (69)
Mohammad Nawaz – 36* (20)
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Wanindu Hasaranga – 3/54
Sri Lanka’s Strong Start Falters Under Fire from Haris Rauf
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka began well as the opening duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara added 89 runs for the first wicket. However, Pakistan’s fielding lapses briefly let Sri Lanka off the hook before Haris Rauf turned the tide.
The speedster struck a brilliant double blow Mishra mistimed one to mid-off, and Kusal Mendis was bowled off the very next delivery. Rauf then removed Nissanka in his next over to reduce Sri Lanka to 90/3 inside 14 overs.
Sri Lanka tried to rebuild through Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka, but Rauf returned to remove Samarawickrama and finish with figures of 4 for 61, underlining his role as Pakistan’s match-winner in the PAK vs SL clash.
Haris Rauf’s Bowling Figures:
4 wickets for 61 runs in 10 over
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Hasaranga’s Fighting Fifty Not Enough
The hopes of Sri Lanka, however, were kept alive by the all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who with his determined 59 off 52 balls, whittled down the target to 23 runs needed in the last two overs. But his dismissal to Naseem Shah in the 49th over attempting to hit a full toss down the ground ended Sri Lanka’s fightback.
Maheesh Theekshana hit a couple of boundaries towards the end, but Pakistan kept their cool, beating Sri Lanka by six runs in a pulsating finish.
Key Takeaways from the PAK vs SL 1st ODI
Salman Agha played a captain’s innings under pressure to guide Pakistan to a competitive total.
Haris Rauf once again proved his worth as Pakistan’s strike bowler, getting the important wickets in bursts.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance kept Sri Lanka in the contest till the very end.
Pakistan now lead the PAK vs SL ODI series 1-0, with the second game promising another thriller.
Match Summary
Pakistan – 299/5 in 50 overs (Salman Agha 105*, Hussain Talat 62, Mohammad Nawaz 36*; Wanindu Hasaranga 3/54) Sri Lanka 293/9 in 50 overs (Wanindu Hasaranga 59, Sadeera Samarawickrama 39; Haris Rauf 4/61) Result: Pakistan won by 6 runs | Series: Pakistan lead 1-0
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