KEY POINTS
- Salman Agha’s unbeaten 105 steered Pakistan to a competitive total.
- Haris Rauf’s 4 wickets helped restrict Sri Lanka to 293/9 in their chase.
- Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga top-scored with 59 but fell short in the final overs.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Batting first, Pakistan set a challenging total of 299/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The top-order contributions came from Fakhar Zaman (32), Babar Azam (29), and Hussain Talat, who top-scored with a crucial 62.
However, it was Salman Agha who played the match-defining knock, remaining unbeaten on 105 from 87 balls.
Mohammad Nawaz provided valuable support, scoring 36 off 23 balls. The middle-order’s fightback, coupled with solid partnerships, enabled Pakistan to set a competitive target.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 3 wickets for 54 runs, but they could not stop Pakistan from posting a formidable total.
Chasing 300 for victory, Sri Lanka’s batting was under pressure from the start. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 4 wickets for 61 runs, while Naseem Shah added two crucial wickets to his tally.
Sri Lanka’s top-order saw valuable contributions from Kamil Mishara (38), Sadeera Samarawickrama (39), and Wanindu Hasaranga, who top-scored with 59.
Despite some resistance, Sri Lanka’s chase faltered in the final overs as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened the noose.
Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 293/9 in 50 overs, falling just 6 runs short of their target. Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to secure a hard-fought victory.
Match Summary
Salman Agha: 105* (87 balls) – Top scorer for Pakistan.
Haris Rauf: 4/61 – Bowled a match-winning spell.
Wanindu Hasaranga: 59 (52 balls) – Led the Sri Lankan charge in the chase.
Pakistan’s thrilling win in the first ODI gives them a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second match set to take place on Thursday at the same venue.
The game showcased exciting cricket, with both teams fighting hard for supremacy, but it was Pakistan’s depth in both batting and bowling that saw them home in this tight encounter.
The victory sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting series between the two sides.
