The first ODI Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi cricket team, produced a gripping contest that went down to the final delivery, Pakistan showcased resilience and composure to secure a 6 runs victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three matches ODI series, A masterclass from Salman Ali Agha who struck a match winning unbeaten century proved to be the defining difference between two sides.
Sri Lanka won the toss and put to Pakistan bat first, openers struggled to find momentum against disciplined new ball bowling from Sri Lanka, gave perfect Start when dismissed Saim Ayub on 6 by Ashita Fernando , Fakhar 32 and Babar Azam 32 made promising starts but failed to convert them into big scores, the hosts were reeling at 100/4 by the halfway mark , Wanindu Hasaranga put Pakistan on back foot where unable to pick him.
However, pakistan middle order rose to the occasion, Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat engineered a superb 138 partnership for the fifth wicket, rebuilding the Innings with patience and precision, Agha was the anchor showcasing impeccable shot selection and temperament under pressure, his unbeaten 105 runs off 87 deliveries, laced with 9 fours , Talat provided crucial support with a fluent 62 off 63 deliveries, rotating strike efficiently and pushing losse deliveries.
At the end Mohammad Nawaz quick Cameo 36 off 23* balls, guiding pakistan 299/5 in 50 overs.
Chasing 300 , Sri Lanka got steady Start Pathum 29 Nissanka and Kamil Mishara 39 , put together 85 runs partnership for the opening wicket provided strong foundation but Haris Rauf struck 3 wickets wickets from 85/0 to 90/3 , where Kusal Mendis goes on first ball of duck.
Sri Lanka middle order led by Charith Asalanka 32 and Sadeera Samarawickrama 39 with a composed 57 runs stand for the fourth wicket, brought the visitors back into contest, after 3 quick wickets. While Janith Liyange added 28 crucial runs and Kamindu Mendis managed 9 . Pakistan displined bowling back into game, Sri Lanka 210/7 37.2
However,Wanindu Hasaranga composed their fighting innings 59 run off 52 deliveries, featuring 7 fours, rotating the strike and punishing losse deliveries, after his dismissal Maheesh Theekshana kept hopes alive at the end he played cameo 21 off 18 deliveries but unfortunately 6 run short, and take 1-0 lead in three matches ODI series.
For Pakistan Haris Rauf is pick of the bowler took 4/61 in 4 overs while Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf chipped with 2 wickets and 1 for Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Match summary
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and Opted to bowl first
Pakistan innings: 299/5 in 50 overs
Top performer: Salman Ali Agha 105* runs off 87 deliveries , Wanindu Hasaranga 3/54 in 10 overs .
Sri Lanka innings: 293/9 in 50 overs
Top performer: Wanindu Hasaranga 59 off 52 balls, Haris Rauf 4/61 in 10 overs
Result: Pakistan won by 6 runs take 1-0 lead in three matches ODI series.
Player of the match: Salman Ali Agha 105* off 87 deliveries.