RAWALPINDI: Pakistan edged out Sri Lanka by six runs in a thrilling first One-Day International on Tuesday, thanks to a brilliant century from Salman Agha and a four-wicket haul from Haris Rauf.
Agha’s unbeaten 105 off 87 balls powered Pakistan to a strong 299 for 5, before Rauf’s fiery spell of 4 for 61 restricted Sri Lanka to 293 for 9 in their 50 overs — giving the hosts a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
The match went ahead despite a suicide attack near Islamabad that claimed at least 12 lives, prompting authorities to tighten security for the visiting team.
Sri Lanka got off to a promising start with debutant Kamil Mishara (38) and Pathum Nissanka (29) adding 85 for the first wicket. However, Rauf struck back swiftly, dismissing both openers and Kusal Mendis (0) in quick succession.
Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) and captain Charith Asalanka (32) steadied the innings with a 57-run stand, but Pakistan regained control when Rauf removed Samarawickrama with a superb catch by Babar Azam at slip.
Despite a late charge from Wanindu Hasaranga, who smashed a fighting 59 off 52 balls with seven boundaries, Sri Lanka fell just short, needing 21 runs off the final eight deliveries.
For Pakistan, Agha and Hussain Talat (62) added a vital 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket after the team had slumped to 95-4. Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with 3 for 54, while Asitha Fernando claimed an early breakthrough.
“Agha and Talat batted very well to take us to 299. Haris then gave us crucial wickets,” said Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi after the win.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka admitted, “We gave away too many runs. The way Agha and Talat batted took the game away from us.”
The remaining ODIs will be played on Thursday and Saturday, both in Rawalpindi.
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