Pakistan Edge Out Sri Lanka by 6 Runs in Rawalpindi Thriller 🇱🇰

1st ODI, Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pakistan began their home ODI series against Sri Lanka on a winning note, clinching a nail-biting 6-run victory in Rawalpindi. A complete ODI contest unfolded — centuries, collapses, dew factor, and pressure moments — with Pakistan holding their nerve in the final over to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Agha Salman Anchors Pakistan’s Innings Put in to bat on a fresh surface, Pakistan struggled early as Sri Lankan pacers extracted movement under lights. The top order — including Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam — got starts but couldn’t convert them into big ones. However, Agha Salman (106 off 114) played a composed knock, rebuilding the innings alongside Hussain Talat (64 off 70). Their 134-run partnership for the fifth wicket turned the innings around after Pakistan had slipped to 121/4. Once set, Salman shifted gears beautifully, finding gaps and rotating strike with ease. The last 10 overs yielded over 90 runs as Pakistan reached 299/5 in 50 overs — a competitive total considering the conditions. Sri Lanka’s Strong Start, Rauf’s Game-Changing Burst Sri Lanka began the chase with intent. The openers — Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka — gave a flying start, and with Kusal Mendis joining in, they looked well on track at 90/1. Then came the turning point — Haris Rauf’s fiery spell (4/61). In a span of 10 balls, Rauf removed Mishara, Mendis, and Nissanka, breaking the backbone of the chase. From there, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at crucial intervals despite brief resistance from Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis. Hasaranga Fights, But Naseem and Talat Seal It When the game seemed slipping away, Wanindu Hasaranga (59 off 52) counter-attacked brilliantly. His clean hitting and calculated risks reignited Sri Lanka’s hopes, bringing the equation down to 21 off the final over. However, Naseem Shah (2/55) dismissed Hasaranga at a vital moment, and Hussain Talat held his nerve to defend 21 in the last over. Despite late boundaries from Maheesh Theekshana, Pakistan managed to close out the game by 6 runs, marking their joint-lowest winning margin against Sri Lanka in ODIs. Player of the Match: Salman Agha 🏆 For his century under pressure and crucial partnership that stabilized Pakistan’s innings. Captains’ Take Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan skipper): “Credit goes to Salman Agha and Hussain Talat for that partnership. Haris Rauf’s spell turned the game around for us.” Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka skipper): “We started well but couldn’t capitalize. Hasaranga’s knock was special — just unfortunate we couldn’t support him enough.” Score Summary Team Score Overs Pakistan 299/5 50 Sri Lanka 293/9 50 Result Pakistan won by 6 runs Player of the Match Agha Salman (106 off 114) Key Stats 6 runs = joint-lowest win margin for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in ODIs (since Lucknow, 1989). First ODI defeat for Sri Lanka after three consecutive wins in 2025. Haris Rauf’s 4/61 = his best figures at home since 2023.

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