Pakistan clinched a six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Salman Agha's century and and a crucial four-wicket haul from fast bowler Haris Rauf, dictated the tempo to bring Pakistan home.
The match, which was played under heightened security following a suicide attack in the nearby twin city of Islamabad earlier in the day, saw Pakistan withstand a late fightback from the tourists to seal the victory.
Put in to bat, Pakistan’s innings was rescued by a partnership after they found themselves in a precarious position at 95 for four. Salman Agha, 105 not out off 87 balls, notched his second ODI century, and combined with Hussain Talat, 62 for a 138-run fifth-wicket stand that revived the innings. Agha then turned on the afterburners with Mohammad Nawaz, 36 off 23, helping Pakistan add 104 runs in the last 10 overs to set a target of 299 for five.
Earlier, Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga had rattled the top order with figures of 3-54, including the wickets of Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan.
In reply, Sri Lanka made a solid start with debutant Kamil Mishara, 38 and Pathum Nissanka, 29 putting on an 85-run opening stand. However, Haris Rauf turned the game with a fiery spell, dismissing both openers and Kusal Mendis for nought in quick succession, triggering the first of two mini-collapses.
Despite a 57-run fightback from Sadeera Samarawickrama, 39, and captain Charith Asalanka, 32, a moment of fielding brilliance from Babar Azam, who plucked an edge at slip to remove Samarawickrama, tilted the momentum back to the hosts.
The chase seemed over as Sri Lanka slumped to 210 for seven, but Wanindu Hasaranga had another idea up his sleeve. The all-rounder fought hard with a 52-ball 59, featuring seven boundaries, to take the equation down to a manageable 23 runs needed in the final two overs.
This attack instilled hope, but the effort ended when he holed out with eight balls remaining, ending the resistance. Haris Rauf secured the decisive wicket, confirming the four-wicket haul that broke the back of the chase.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised the batting effort, noting that Agha and Talat "batted very well to take us to 299" and adding that Rauf delivered the "crucial wickets" needed. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka admitted his bowlers conceded too many runs: "We gave away too many runs; it should have been under 270." The remaining two matches, which will decide the series winner, are also scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on Thursday and Saturday.
