Pakistan Edge Past Sri Lanka by 6 Runs in Series Opener at Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series to take a 1–0 lead at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Chasing a target of 300 runs, Sri Lanka fell short despite a spirited fight, managing 293 runs for nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

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After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first. Pakistan posted 299 for five in their innings, powered by a brilliant unbeaten century from Agha Salman, who scored 105 off 87 balls.

Pakistan’s innings began with openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. However, Saim departed early for 6 in the fourth over, while Fakhar scored 32 off 55 balls before being dismissed. Skipper Babar Azam contributed 29, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan was out for just 5.

Agha Salman and Hussain Talat then steadied the innings with a strong partnership, taking the total to 233. Talat scored a fluent 62 before being dismissed. In the final overs, Mohammad Nawaz provided valuable support with a quickfire unbeaten 36 off 23 balls.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Hasaranga (59) and Samarawickrama (39), but Pakistan’s bowlers kept their nerves in the closing stages. Haris Rauf led the attack with four wickets, while Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf picked up two each.

With this win, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series, which continues in Rawalpindi until November 15.

Following the ODI series, a Tri-Nation Series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will be played from November 17 to 29.