RAWALPINDI, Nov 12: A brilliant century from Salman Ali Agha and a fiery spell by Haris Rauf powered Pakistan to a thrilling six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening One-Day International (ODI) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.
.@SalmanAliAgha1 is the player of the match for his heroic ton 💫#PAKvSL | #JeetKaScene | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/iLVOlBwD2Z
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2025
After being reduced to 95-4, Pakistan recovered strongly through a 138-run partnership between Salman and Hussain Talat, helping the hosts post a competitive 299-5. Salman remained unbeaten on 105 off 90 balls, striking nine fours and a six, while Hussain contributed a career-best 62. Mohammad Nawaz added a brisk 36 not out as Pakistan capitalised late in the innings.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming 3-54 and troubling the hosts’ top order. Earlier, Fakhar Zaman scored a slow 32 before falling to Hasaranga, while captain Babar Azam made 29.
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka made a rapid start with openers Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara putting on 75 for the first wicket within 10 overs. However, Haris Rauf turned the game around with a fiery burst, removing Mishara and Kusal Mendis in consecutive deliveries before dismissing Nissanka to finish with 4-61.
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Middle-order batters Charith Asalanka (47) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (34) attempted to rebuild, but Pakistan maintained pressure through regular breakthroughs. Hasaranga’s counter-attacking half-century (53 off 47 balls) kept Sri Lanka in contention until he holed out to Babar Azam at long-on off Naseem Shah in the 47th over.
With 21 required off the final over, Hussain Talat successfully defended the total, sealing a narrow win for Pakistan.
The victory handed Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second game will be played at the same venue on Thursda
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