When cricket fans tuned in for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI in Rawalpindi, few expected such a roller-coaster. But by the end, Pakistan had sealed a thrilling six-run win , going 1-0 up in the series — thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s masterclass and Haris Rauf’s fiery spell. Agha’s Heroic Ton Lifts Pakistan Batting first, the Pakistan national cricket team didn’t have it easy. Early wickets fell, and the scoreboard crawled. But Salman Ali Agha , playing one of his best ODI innings, turned the tide. His unbeaten 105 off 83 balls was a perfect mix of calm and aggression. He built a crucial 138-run stand with Hussain Talat , who hit his maiden ODI fifty (62 runs). Their partnership rescued Pakistan from 95/4 to a strong 233/5 in the 44th over. With Mohammad Nawaz adding a brisk 36*, Pakistan posted a competitive 299/5 . 👉 Keywords used naturally: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Pakistan national cricket team, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Pakistan vs SL ODI. Hasaranga’s All-...
When cricket fans tuned in for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI in Rawalpindi, few expected such a roller-coaster. But by the end, Pakistan had sealed a thrilling six-run win, going 1-0 up in the series — thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s masterclass and Haris Rauf’s fiery spell.
Agha’s Heroic Ton Lifts Pakistan
Batting first, the Pakistan national cricket team didn’t have it easy. Early wickets fell, and the scoreboard crawled. But Salman Ali Agha, playing one of his best ODI innings, turned the tide. His unbeaten 105 off 83 balls was a perfect mix of calm and aggression.
He built a crucial 138-run stand with Hussain Talat, who hit his maiden ODI fifty (62 runs). Their partnership rescued Pakistan from 95/4 to a strong 233/5 in the 44th over. With Mohammad Nawaz adding a brisk 36*, Pakistan posted a competitive 299/5.
👉 Keywords used naturally: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Pakistan national cricket team, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Pakistan vs SL ODI.
Hasaranga’s All-Round Brilliance Falls Just Short
Chasing 300, the Sri Lanka national cricket team started brilliantly. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara added 85 runs off just 70 balls — a dream start on debut for Mishara.
But then came Haris Rauf, with raw pace and control. In a span of a few overs, Sri Lanka tumbled from 85/0 to 90/3, with Rauf removing Mishara, Kusal Mendis, and Nissanka. His final figures — 4 for 61 — were a game-changer.
Even then, Sri Lanka fought back. Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) and Charith Asalanka tried to rebuild, but Babar Azam’s sharp catch at slip reignited Pakistan’s momentum.
Hasaranga’s Late Charge and Theekshana’s Scare
With wickets falling, it was left to Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder. His 52-ball 59 kept hopes alive. Alongside Maheesh Theekshana, who struck two late boundaries, Sri Lanka came agonizingly close.
In the end, with 21 needed off 10 balls, Hasaranga perished to a full toss — Babar Azam holding another crucial catch. Theekshana’s heroics in the final over weren’t enough as Pakistan held their nerve, winning by just six runs.
Turning Points of the Match
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Agha’s century – steady start, explosive finish.
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Haris Rauf’s burst – 3 wickets in two overs flipped the script.
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Hasaranga’s fightback – kept Sri Lanka alive till the final over.
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Fielding drama – Pakistan dropped two catches and bowled 26 wides.
What’s Next for Both Teams
This Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series is already proving to be an exciting one. Pakistan’s balance of youth and experience showed grit, while Sri Lanka’s fight till the last ball won hearts.
The next Pakistan vs SL ODI promises another tight contest — and fans can expect fireworks from players like Hasaranga, Samarawickrama, Agha, and Rauf once again.
Final Thoughts
Cricket in Rawalpindi never disappoints — and this match was a perfect example. From Agha’s second ODI hundred to Rauf’s fiery spells, to Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance, it was a night packed with drama, passion, and skill.
Pakistan may lead the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series 1-0, but if this game was any indication, the battles ahead will be just as fierce.
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