A Close Contest Settled by a Player of the Match Century
RAWALPINDI – Pakistan secured a dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International (ODI) after a tightly contested match, winning by a narrow margin of just 6 runs. This thrilling result gives Pakistan a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting an exciting tone for the rest of the competition.
Playing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the Sri Lankan team fell short of the 300-run target, finishing their allocated 50 overs at 293 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.
Pakistan’s Innings: Salman Ali Agha’s Masterclass
The foundation of Pakistan’s innings was laid by all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who smashed a brilliant, unbeaten century against the Sri Lankan bowling attack, helping the Green Shirts post a competitive total of 299 for 5 wickets. Agha reached his century off just 83 balls, striking 9 boundaries, and remained unbeaten on 105 runs off 87 balls. This marked his second ODI century, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Agha was ably supported by Mohammad Nawaz (36 not out) in a valuable 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Other key contributors included Hussain Talat (62), Fakhar Zaman (32), and Captain Babar Azam (29).
Sri Lanka’s Fight and the Costly Extras
In their chase, Sri Lanka put up a determined fight. Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 3 wickets while bowling, shone with the bat as well, scoring a critical 59 runs under pressure. Samara Wickrama (39), Kamindu Mendis (38), and Captain Charith Asalanka (32) also provided significant contributions.
A notable factor in the close finish was Pakistan’s bowling side conceding 31 extra runs (including 26 wides), which significantly boosted the Sri Lankan total and kept the match alive until the final over.
For Pakistan’s bowlers, Haris Rauf was the most effective, claiming 4 wickets. Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah took 2 wickets each, while Mohammad Nawaz secured one.
Captain’s Corner: Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to field, a decision Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said he would have also made.
Series Schedule: The second ODI will be played on November 13, and the third on November 15.
