Pakistan claimed a narrow six-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening match of their three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, starting the campaign on a tense yet positive note. The contest went down to the wire, with Pakistan’s bowlers holding their nerve in the final overs to secure victory.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 299 for 5 in their 50 overs. Despite early pressure from Sri Lanka’s seamers, Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with a superb 105 off 87 balls, blending composure with aggression. His knock included ten fours and two sixes, showcasing both power and placement. Hussain Talat provided solid support, striking 62 off 78 balls as the pair rebuilt Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start. Contributions from Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam ensured Pakistan set a competitive total.
Sri Lanka began their chase with purpose, keeping up with the required rate through disciplined batting. Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka gave stability in the middle overs, rotating the strike efficiently against Pakistan’s spinners. When wickets fell, Wanindu Hasaranga reignited the chase with a spirited half-century, launching calculated attacks on both pace and spin.
At one stage, Sri Lanka seemed well-placed to pull off the chase, needing 45 runs off the last six overs with wickets in hand. However, Haris Rauf’s fiery spell changed the equation. His pace and yorker accuracy earned him four wickets, including two in a crucial late over that turned the tide back toward Pakistan. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz complemented Rauf with disciplined bowling at the death, conceding few boundaries and maintaining relentless pressure.
Sri Lanka’s lower order fought valiantly, reducing the equation to 23 runs off the final 12 balls. But Pakistan’s bowlers held firm, showing calm under pressure. The game ended with Sri Lanka stranded on 293 for 9, just six runs short of victory.
Salman Ali Agha’s century earned him the Player of the Match award, while Rauf’s late burst received widespread praise for its precision and aggression. Captain Babar Azam lauded his team’s resilience, noting that the side “found composure when it mattered most.”
For Sri Lanka, the loss will feel like a missed opportunity. Hasaranga’s late charge and strong top-order contributions had put them in control for much of the chase, but their inability to close the game highlighted a recurring problem with finishing tight contests.
Pakistan’s win extends their strong recent run in ODIs, building on momentum from their series success over South Africa. The hosts now hold a 1–0 lead heading into the second match, where they will look to tighten execution and aim for a series-clinching victory. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will regroup to correct their death-over execution and rediscover composure under pressure.
With both sides showing flashes of brilliance, the series promises more close finishes and high-quality cricket as the battle continues in Rawalpindi.
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