A breathtaking contest in Rawalpindi saw Pakistan edge Sri Lanka by six runs to take a 1–0 lead in the ODI series, as Agha Salman’s classy century and Haris Rauf’s fiery spell overcame Wanindu Hasaranga’s late heroics.
Pakistan clinched a nail-biting six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening One-Day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. In a game filled with twists, Sri Lanka fell just short of chasing 300 despite a brave effort from Wanindu Hasaranga, whose 59 off 52 balls kept his side in the hunt until the final overs.
Set a target of 300, Sri Lanka began their chase in commanding style. Openers Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara put on a rapid 85-run partnership that had Pakistan on the back foot early. However, Haris Rauf’s express pace and accuracy changed the game dramatically. Within the space of two overs, Mishara sliced a mistimed stroke to mid-off, Kusal Mendis chopped on to his stumps next ball, and Nissanka edged behind in Rauf’s following over. From 85 without loss, Sri Lanka suddenly collapsed to 90 for 3, silencing the early optimism of their dugout.
The visitors regained composure through Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who added 57 runs for the fourth wicket in a steady partnership that rebuilt Sri Lanka’s hopes. Yet it took a moment of brilliance from Babar Azam to break the stand. After captain Shaheen Afridi placed him at slip, Babar reacted instantly to a thick edge from Samarawickrama, diving sharply to his right for a sensational catch that lifted the crowd to its feet.
Asalanka, battling what appeared to be a hamstring niggle, continued to grind out runs but a reckless charge down the pitch to Mohammed Nawaz ended his innings as Mohammad Rizwan completed an easy stumping. Janith Liyanage, who had provided momentum with a lively 31-ball cameo, was undone by Naseem Shah’s seam movement. When Kamindu Mendis chopped on to Faheem Ashraf, Sri Lanka had slumped to 210 for 7.
At that point, Hasaranga took charge, blending aggression with composure. He cleverly rotated the strike, giving Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana enough confidence to survive at the other end. Two successive boundaries from Theekshana in the final over gave Sri Lanka faint hope of a miracle, but with 21 needed from 10 balls, Hasaranga mistimed a full toss from Hussain Talat straight into the hands of Babar at long-on. The wicket sealed Pakistan’s hard-fought win, leaving the visitors to rue missed opportunities and poor shot selection.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings had been revived by a masterful unbeaten century from Agha Salman, who anchored the innings after early setbacks. At 95 for 4 in the 24th over, Agha joined Hussain Talat in the middle to rebuild Pakistan’s innings against disciplined spells from Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga. Their 138-run partnership transformed the innings, shifting momentum back to the hosts.
Agha’s knock of 105 not out came off 84 balls and was a perfect blend of timing and placement. Talat’s 62 added stability and confidence, especially after surviving a close lbw appeal that would have dismissed him if Sri Lanka had not wasted both reviews earlier in the innings. Once settled, the pair executed their plan flawlessly: preserve wickets for the final surge and attack the last ten overs. Their acceleration was remarkable as Pakistan scored 104 runs in the final 10, with Nawaz contributing a brisk unbeaten 36.
Despite Pakistan’s dominance, Sri Lanka bowled with discipline for most of the innings. Hasaranga led from the front with 3 for 54, supported by Theekshana and Asitha Fernando, who kept the scoring rate in check early on. But the late onslaught from Agha and Nawaz proved decisive, lifting Pakistan to a competitive total of 299 for 5.
While the hosts were guilty of 26 wides and two dropped catches, their bowlers held their nerve when it mattered. Rauf’s figures of 4 for 61 were the standout performance of the match, while Afridi and Nawaz provided crucial breakthroughs.
The series now moves to Lahore, where Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly to stay alive. Pakistan, buoyed by Agha’s form and Rauf’s resurgence, will look to seal the series, while the visitors hope to convert their flashes of brilliance into a complete performance. The Rawalpindi crowd witnessed a classic — one that showcased skill, temperament, and the drama that only one-day cricket can deliver.
