Pakistan began their ODI series against Sri Lanka on a winning note, thanks to a stunning all-round performance led by Agha Salman and Haris Rauf. The home side clinched a thrilling 6-run victory in Rawalpindi to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Agha Salman produced a remarkable unbeaten century under pressure, while Haris Rauf’s fiery four-wicket haul sealed the game in Pakistan’s favor.
Agha Salman displayed sheer determination as he crafted an unbeaten 105 off just 87 deliveries. His innings, filled with nine boundaries, lifted Pakistan from a shaky 95-4 to a commanding 299-5 in their 50 overs. Partnering with Hussain Talat, who contributed a valuable 62, Agha Salman stitched together a vital 138-run partnership that turned the game around. The duo’s effort stabilized Pakistan’s innings after early setbacks against Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack.
- Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI 2025
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
- Result: Pakistan won by 6 runs in a thrilling contest
- Top Performer (Bat): Agha Salman – unbeaten 105 runs off 87 balls
- Top Performer (Ball): Haris Rauf – outstanding spell of 4 wickets for 61 runs in 10 overs
- Sri Lanka’s Top Scorer: Wanindu Hasaranga – fought hard with 59 runs off 52 balls
- Series Status: Pakistan now lead 1–0 in the 3-match ODI series
- Pakistan Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sri Lanka Captain: Charith Asalanka
Agha Salman’s Heroic Century Guides Pakistan to 299
Pakistan made a strong start to the ODI series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling 6-run victory in Rawalpindi, led by match-winning performances from Agha Salman and Haris Rauf. The home side’s innings revolved around Agha Salman’s unbeaten century, which turned a shaky start into a commanding total.
After being sent in to bat, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 95-4 following a fiery spell from Sri Lanka’s spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. But Agha Salman showcased maturity and composure under pressure. He built a crucial partnership of 138 runs with Hussain Talat, guiding Pakistan to a strong total of 299-5 in their 50 overs.
Agha Salman’s knock of 105 not out from 87 balls was filled with grace and power. He struck nine boundaries and timed his acceleration perfectly in the death overs. Talat’s composed 62, which included a six and six fours, supported Salman brilliantly. Their partnership not only rescued Pakistan from early collapse but also put Sri Lanka on the defensive.
Haris Rauf Destroys Sri Lanka’s Top Order
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start as debutant Kamil Mishara (38) and Pathum Nissanka (29) put together an 85-run partnership. The visitors seemed in control until Haris Rauf stepped in with his trademark pace and aggression.
Rauf ripped through the Sri Lankan top order in quick succession, dismissing Mishara, Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis within a span of just five runs. His spell left Sri Lanka reeling at 90-3 and shifted the momentum firmly back in Pakistan’s favor.
Despite the challenging conditions with heavy dew affecting the grip, Rauf maintained his accuracy and rhythm throughout his 10 overs. His figures of 4/61 highlighted his match-winning impact and growing importance as Pakistan’s key pacer in limited-overs cricket.
Sri Lanka’s Middle Order Fights Back
Sri Lanka’s middle order showed resilience, with Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) and captain Charith Asalanka (32) adding 57 runs for the fourth wicket. Their partnership kept the visitors in the hunt, especially as the dew began to favor batting.
However, Haris Rauf struck again, breaking the partnership with the help of a stunning one-handed catch from Babar Azam at slip. The dismissal of Samarawickrama halted Sri Lanka’s progress, and soon after, Mohammad Nawaz removed Asalanka to put Pakistan back in control.
At 210-7, Sri Lanka seemed out of the contest, but Wanindu Hasaranga had other plans. Known for his aggressive batting, Hasaranga counterattacked with an explosive 59 off 52 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and brought the equation down to just 23 runs needed from the last two overs.
Hasaranga’s Lone Resistance Falls Short
As the match reached its climax, Hasaranga’s fighting knock gave Sri Lanka renewed hope. Batting with the tail, he took calculated risks and targeted Pakistan’s pacers. His intent and timing were impeccable until he attempted a big shot off Naseem Shah in the 49th over and was caught at long-on.
His dismissal ended Sri Lanka’s chase at 293-9, just six runs short of victory. The visitors fought hard but fell short in the final moments, leaving the Pakistani crowd celebrating a narrow but deserved win.
Janith Liyanage’s 28 and a quick cameo from Maheesh Theekshana in the final over added drama, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack led by Haris Rauf.
Pakistan’s Captain Praises Team Effort
After the thrilling finish, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised his side’s composure and teamwork. “Agha and Talat batted very well to take us to 299. A target of 300 was good, and then Haris gave us crucial wickets,” said Afridi.
Afridi highlighted the balance between youth and experience as key to Pakistan’s success. The performances of Agha Salman and Haris Rauf once again proved that Pakistan’s emerging players can step up in high-pressure situations.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka, meanwhile, admitted his bowlers conceded too many runs. “The way Agha and Talat batted, it took the game away from us. We should have restricted them under 270,” Asalanka said.
