Agha, Rauf Star as Pakistan Edge Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi Thriller

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: A magnificent unbeaten century from Salman Agha and a fiery spell by Haris Rauf guided Pakistan to a nail-biting six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI, giving the hosts a 1–0 lead in the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Chasing 300 for victory, Sri Lanka fell agonisingly short at 293 for 9, despite a valiant all-round performance by Wanindu Hasaranga, who top-scored with 59 off 52 balls. His late fightback, aided by Maheesh Theekshana’s two boundaries in the final over, kept the contest alive until the last delivery, but Hussain Talat held his nerve to seal the win for Pakistan.

Earlier, Pakistan recovered from a shaky start to post 299 for 5, thanks to Agha’s unbeaten 105 off 84 balls and Talat’s composed 62 — his maiden ODI fifty. The pair added 138 runs for the fifth wicket, rescuing the hosts from 95 for 4 before Agha and Mohammad Nawaz (36*) powered the final surge, adding 104 runs in the last 10 overs.

Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with 3 for 54, while Asitha Fernando and Theekshana chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/aghas-blazing-ton-talats-grit-lift-pakistan-to-299/

In reply, Sri Lanka began strongly as debutant Kamil Mishara (38) and Pathum Nissanka (36) shared a brisk 85-run opening stand off just 70 balls. However, Haris Rauf turned the game with a fiery burst, removing Mishara and Kusal Mendis off consecutive deliveries before dismissing Nissanka in his next over. His spell of 4 for 61 broke the visitors’ momentum, reducing them from 85 without loss to 90 for 3.

Despite a 57-run partnership between Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama that steadied the innings, Pakistan’s bowlers struck back through timely breakthroughs. Babar Azam’s sharp catch in the slips off Shaheen Afridi ended Samarawickrama’s stay, while Asalanka’s stumping off Mohammad Nawaz triggered another collapse.

Sri Lanka’s middle order faltered under pressure, with Liyanage (22) and Kamindu Mendis (11) departing quickly, leaving Hasaranga to wage a lone battle with the tail. He fought gallantly, mixing boundaries with strike rotation, but perished to Babar at long-on in the 49th over with 21 still needed.

Pakistan’s fielding and discipline remained areas of concern — 26 wides and two dropped catches gave Sri Lanka hope — yet the bowlers did just enough to defend the total.

With this win, Pakistan take a 1–0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played later this week, with Sri Lanka aiming to bounce back and level the contest.