Rawalpindi, November 11, 2025, Pakistan held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to defeat Sri Lanka by six runs in the first One-Day International (ODI) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, taking an early 1-0 advantage in the three-match series.
This encounter marked the first bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka since 2019, and it lived up to its billing, filled with classy batting, tight bowling, and late drama under lights.
Agha’s Classy Ton Anchors Pakistan’s Innings
After Sri Lanka opted to bowl first, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble at 95/4. But middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha delivered a masterclass in composure and timing, crafting an unbeaten 105 off 87 balls. His strokeplay, particularly against spin, kept Pakistan in control even as wickets fell around him.
Together with Hussain Talat (62), Agha added a crucial 138-run partnership that lifted Pakistan to a competitive total of 299/5 in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming 3 for 64, mixing flight and pace variations to trouble the middle order.
Pakistan Batting Performance vs Sri Lanka
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha | 105* | 87 | 9 | 2 | 120.68 |
| Hussain Talat | 62 | 71 | 5 | 1 | 87.32 |
| Babar Azam (C) | 34 | 42 | 4 | 0 | 80.95 |
| Mohammad Rizwan (WK) | 28 | 29 | 3 | 0 | 96.55 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 22 | 26 | 4 | 0 | 84.61 |
| Shadab Khan | 16* | 20 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Extras | 32 | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 299/5 (50 overs) |
Pakistan Bowling Performance vs Sri Lanka
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 0 | 61 | 4 | 6.10 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | 1 | 48 | 2 | 4.80 |
| Shadab Khan | 10 | 0 | 54 | 1 | 5.40 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 8 | 0 | 42 | 1 | 5.25 |
| Usama Mir | 6 | 0 | 41 | 1 | 6.83 |
| Agha Salman | 6 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 7.83 |
Sri Lanka’s Fightback Falls Just Short
In response, Sri Lanka launched a spirited chase. Kamil Mishara (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (39) laid the foundation, while skipper Charith Asalanka (32) kept the scoreboard ticking.
When Hasaranga walked in, Sri Lanka needed 91 from the final 10 overs — and he almost pulled off the impossible. His blistering 59 off 52 balls revived hopes, but Pakistan’s bowlers stayed composed at the death.
Haris Rauf (4/61) and Shaheen Afridi (2/48) bowled full and fast in the closing overs, denying Sri Lanka a famous victory. The visitors finished at 293/9, six runs short of the target.
Post-Match Reactions
Player of the Match Salman Ali Agha credited his century to patience and trust in partnerships:
“It was about keeping calm after those early wickets. We knew if we batted deep, 290+ would be defendable here.”
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam praised the team’s composure under pressure. At the same time, Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged the positives, saying the side “showed great intent” and “will look to improve in the middle overs.”
Series Context & What’s Next
This win gives Pakistan momentum heading into the second ODI, scheduled in Lahore later this week. The victory also ends Pakistan’s 927-day ODI drought at home, a statistic that adds extra sweetness to the triumph.
For Sri Lanka, the batting promise was evident, but they’ll seek better finishing and tighter bowling at the back end.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 299 | 5 | 50 |
| Sri Lanka | 293 | 9 | 50 |
Top Performers:
- Salman Ali Agha (PAK) – 105 * (87)
- Haris Rauf (PAK) – 4/61 (10)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – 59 (52) & 3/64 (10)
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