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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan kicked off their ODI series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling six-run win at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a stunning unbeaten century from Salman Ali Agha and a fiery four-wicket haul from Haris Rauf.
Chasing a daunting 300-run target, Sri Lanka came close but eventually fell short, finishing at 293 for 9 in 50 overs.
Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara gave a flying start, adding 85 runs in just under 12 overs. However, the introduction of Haris Rauf turned the tide for Pakistan. The pacer struck thrice in quick succession, sending Mishara (38), Mendis (0), and Nissanka (29) back to the pavilion within 13 overs, collapsing Sri Lanka from 85-0 to 90-3.
A brief resistance came from Sadeera Samarawickrama (39 off 48) and captain Charith Asalanka, who added 57 runs for the fourth wicket before Rauf returned to break the partnership with a brilliant catch from Babar Azam in the slips.
Just when Pakistan seemed to dominate, Wanindu Hasaranga reignited Sri Lanka’s hopes with a blistering 59 off 52 balls, smashing seven boundaries. However, he fell in the 49th over, ending the chase just short.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the star with 4 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah claimed two each, keeping the pressure tight at the death.
Earlier, Pakistan recovered from a top-order slump to post 299/5, courtesy of Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 105 off 87 balls and Hussain Talat’s composed 62 off 63.
After losing early wickets—Saim Ayub (6), Fakhar Zaman (32), Rizwan (5), and Babar Azam (29)—Pakistan were in trouble at 95-4. The 138-run stand between Salman and Talat steadied the innings before Mohammad Nawaz’s explosive 36 off 23 balls* helped Pakistan post a near-300 total.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler with 3 wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana took one each.
With this victory, Pakistan lead the three-match ODI series 1-0, entering the next game with strong momentum.
Read: Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli’s Century Drought Record