Rawalpindi, November 11, 2025 — Pakistan clinched a nail-biting six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. A brilliant century from Salman Agha (105)* and a composed fifty from Hussain Talat (62) powered Pakistan to 299 for 5, before Haris Rauf’s fiery spell of 4 for 61 sealed the hard-fought win despite a spirited fightback from Wanindu Hasaranga.
Agha and Talat Rescue Pakistan After Early Wobble
Asked to bat first, Pakistan got off to a slow and shaky start, losing quick wickets inside the first 25 overs. At 95 for 4, the hosts looked in trouble until Agha and Talat came together for a crucial 138-run stand. Their partnership rebuilt the innings, mixing patience with calculated aggression.
Agha, calm and confident, brought up his second ODI hundred with a soft dab to third man, while Talat’s maiden ODI fifty justified his selection after recent criticism. Their stand laid the foundation for a late flourish, as Mohammad Nawaz (36)* joined Agha to add 66 runs in the final overs, lifting Pakistan to a competitive 299.
Hasaranga once again proved his worth with the ball, picking up 3 for 54, while Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana shared one wicket apiece.
Hasaranga’s All-Round Heroics Nearly Stun Pakistan
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka made a strong start through Pathum Nissanka (36) and debutant Kamil Mishara (38), who added 85 runs in just 70 balls. But Haris Rauf’s double-strike in one over turned the game on its head. Within minutes, Sri Lanka slipped from 85 for 0 to 90 for 3.
A steady 57-run partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) and Charith Asalanka (27) briefly restored hope, only for a stunning catch by Babar Azam at slip to dismiss Sadeera. That triggered another collapse, with Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf tightening the screws.
Hasaranga, however, refused to give up. Batting with the tail, he smashed a fighting 59 off 52 balls, taking the game deep. When he fell to a low full toss from Rauf in the 49th over, Sri Lanka still needed 21 from 10 balls. Despite Theekshana’s late boundaries, Pakistan held their nerve, with Talat closing out the final over to secure victory.
Pakistan’s Mixed Bowling Display
While Pakistan’s bowlers eventually delivered, their performance wasn’t without flaws. The attack conceded 26 wides and dropped two crucial catches, gifting Sri Lanka easy runs early in the chase. Still, Rauf’s aggression, Shaheen Afridi’s key breakthrough, and Nawaz’s control in the middle overs made the difference in the end.
Turning Point
The real turning point came when Babar Azam’s sharp reflex catch at slip dismissed Samarawickrama — breaking a solid partnership and re-energizing the crowd at Rawalpindi. From there, Pakistan kept applying pressure until the finish.
What’s Next
With this victory, Pakistan lead the three-match ODI series 1-0. The second ODI will be crucial for Sri Lanka, who will look to bounce back and keep the series alive. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and wrap up the series.
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Key Stats:
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Pakistan: 299/5 (Agha 105*, Talat 62, Nawaz 36*; Hasaranga 3/54)
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Sri Lanka: 293/9 (Hasaranga 59, Samarawickrama 39, Mishara 38; Rauf 4/61)
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Result: Pakistan won by 6 runs
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Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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Series: Pakistan lead 1-0
