Pakistan edge Sri Lanka by six runs to take 1–0 lead in ODI series

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in a nail-biting finish to claim victory in the first ODI of the three-match series, taking a 1–0 lead at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 300 runs, Sri Lanka managed to score 293 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.

Pakistan had set a formidable total of 299 for five, powered by Agha Salman’s unbeaten century.

The hosts then held their nerve in the final overs to seal a narrow yet decisive win.

 Wanindu Hasaranga top-scored with 59 runs, while Samarawickrama contributed 39 in a spirited effort that fell just short.

For Pakistan, pacer Haris Rauf delivered a match-winning performance, taking four crucial wickets, while Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets each to restrict the visitors.

Agha Salman's unbeaten ton lifted Pakistan to a commanding total of 299 for five.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first.

Pakistan’s innings began with openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, but the early breakthrough came in the fourth over when Saim was dismissed for just six runs.

Fakhar followed in the 18th over after scoring 32 off 55 balls.

Pakistan’s middle order struggled as Mohammad Rizwan (5) and Babar Azam (29) fell cheaply, leaving the team under pressure at 76 for four.

 However, a crucial partnership between Agha Salman and Hussain Talat steadied the innings.

The pair added 157 runs for the fifth wicket, lifting Pakistan to a strong position.

Hussain Talat contributed a valuable 62 runs before being dismissed, while Agha Salman continued his fluent batting to register an unbeaten 105 off 87 deliveries, laced with nine fours.

In the final overs, Mohammad Nawaz provided late fireworks, smashing 36 not out off 23 balls to push Pakistan close to the 299-mark.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets.

Pakistan ended their innings at 299 for five in the allotted 50 overs, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 300 runs to win the series opener.

With this victory, Pakistan now lead the three-match ODI series 1–0, with the next game scheduled later this week.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando.