Pakistan survive Hasaranga’s late resistance to seal a six-run win over Sri Lanka

By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan held off a spirited late charge from Sri Lanka to clinch a nail-biting six-run victory in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Salman Agha starred with a 105 not out off 87 balls, his second ODI hundred, earning the player of the match award for his composed and classy knock under pressure.
Put into bat, Pakistan endured a shaky start as openers Saim Ayub (6) and Fakhar Zaman (32) fell cheaply amid tight new-ball spells from Asitha Fernando (1-42) and Dushmantha Chameera (0-63). When Babar Azam (29) and Mohammad Rizwan (5) also departed in quick succession to Wanindu Hasaranga (3-54), the hosts were struggling at 95 for 4 in the 24th over.
From that point, Salman Agha and Hussain Talat (62 off 63) rebuilt with a measured 138-run fifth-wicket stand, the defining partnership of the innings. Once set, Agha shifted gears effortlessly, finding gaps and rotating the strike before finishing strong in the death overs.
A late cameo from Mohammad Nawaz (36 not out off 23) propelled Pakistan to a competitive 299-5, with 104 runs coming in the final 10 overs. Agha’s unbeaten century, his second in ODIs, came off 83 balls and included nine boundaries, a display of controlled aggression and smart shot selection.
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka began brightly. Openers Pathum Nissanka (29) and debutant Kamil Mishara (38) raced to 85 off 70 balls, taking advantage of Pakistan’s wayward start that included 26 wides, 18 of them inside the first powerplay.
However, the game turned dramatically when Haris Rauf (4-61) dismissed Mishara, Kusal Mendis (0), and Nissanka in a fiery burst that reduced Sri Lanka from 85 for no loss to 90-3. His pace and precision rattled the top order and restored Pakistan’s grip on the contest.
Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) and Charith Asalanka (32) attempted to rebuild, but a stunning catch by Babar Azam off Shaheen Afridi’s bowling broke the stand at a crucial moment. The middle order continued to stutter as Janith Liyanage (28) and Kamindu Mendis (9) fell in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka at 210-7.
When all seemed lost, Wanindu Hasaranga (59 off 52) mounted a brave counterattack, combining sensible batting with timely boundaries to drag Sri Lanka within sight of victory. With 21 needed off 10 balls, Hasaranga’s mistimed lofted drive off Naseem Shah (2-55) was safely pouched by Babar Azam at long-on, a decisive blow.
Even then Maheesh Theekshana’s two boundaries in the final over reignited hopes of a heist but Hussain Talat held his nerve to close out a thrilling finish as Sri Lanka fell just short at 293-9.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the standout, taking four wickets during a game-changing middle phase. Faheem Ashraf (2-49) and Naseem Shah (2-55) provided vital support while Mohammad Nawaz (1-48) chipped in with the crucial dismissal of captain Asalanka.
Sri Lanka’s attack was led by Hasaranga’s 3-54, with Fernando and Theekshana claiming one wicket each. Despite a disciplined start the visitors’ decision to use part-timer Janith Liyanage for eight overs (0-48) proved costly as Pakistan’s middle order capitalized.
Pakistan take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the second game scheduled in Lahore later this week. Sri Lanka, though disappointed, will take heart from their fighting display and Hasaranga’s superb all-round effort.
The second match will be played at the same venue on Thursday.
Scorecard Summary
Pakistan Innings – 299-5 (50 overs)
Salman Agha – 105* (87)
Hussain Talat – 62 (63)
Fakhar Zaman – 32 (55)
Mohammad Nawaz – 36* (23)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 3-54 (10)
Asitha Fernando – 1-42 (10)
Maheesh Theekshana – 1-64 (10)
Sri Lanka Innings – 293-9 (50 overs)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 59 (52)
Kamil Mishara – 38 (36)
Sadeera Samarawickrama – 39 (48)
Haris Rauf – 4-61 (10)
Naseem Shah – 2-55 (10)
Faheem Ashraf – 2-49 (10)
Final Result: Pakistan won by 6 runs
Series: Pakistan lead 1–0
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Player of the Match: Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)