Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf Power Pakistan to Thrilling Win Over Sri Lanka
RAWALPINDI: A sparkling century from Salman Ali Agha and a fiery spell by Haris Rauf powered Pakistan to a thrilling six-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Set a challenging 300-run target, Sri Lanka fought hard but could only manage 293 for nine in their 50 overs despite a valiant effort from Wanindu Hasaranga, who top-scored with 59 off 52 balls. The all-rounder kept his side in the chase until the penultimate over, when Naseem Shah dismissed him with 21 runs still required.
Earlier contributions came from Sadeera Samarawickrama (39), debutant opener Kamil Mishara (38), and skipper Charith Asalanka (32), but none could convert their starts into a match-winning knock.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 for 49 in a fiery ten-over spell. Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah grabbed two wickets each, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 299 for five, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Agha and Hussain Talat that rescued the innings after an early wobble.
Openers struggled to provide a solid start as Saim Ayub fell cheaply for six, leaving the hosts 18 for one in the fifth over. Babar Azam (29) and Fakhar Zaman (32) steadied the innings with a 54-run stand before Hasaranga sparked a collapse by removing both along with Mohammad Rizwan (5) in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 95 for four.
From there, Agha and Talat took charge with a 138-run fifth-wicket stand that shifted momentum back in Pakistan’s favor. Talat played fluently for his 62 off 63 balls, hitting six boundaries and a six before Maheesh Theekshana trapped him lbw in the 44th over.
Agha remained unbeaten till the end, crafting a superb 105 off 87 balls with nine fours. He found late support from Nawaz, who struck an aggressive 36 not out off just 23 deliveries, peppered with five fours and a six, to push Pakistan close to the 300 mark.
Hasaranga was once again Sri Lanka’s standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 54, while Theekshana and Asitha Fernando claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan now lead the series 1–0, with the second ODI scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi later this week.
