Sri Lanka lose first ODI to Pakistan by 6 runs

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 01:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Salman Agha’s century and Haris Rauf’s spell decisive for Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Wanindu Hasaranga’s valiant half-century proved in vain as Pakistan pulled off an exciting 6-run win against Sri Lanka in the first ODO to go one-up in the three-match series at Rawalpindi yesterday.

Sri Lanka dominated the run-rate for almost 95% of the run-chase, but losing wickets in clusters came back to haunt them as they ended up on 293-9 in reply to Pakistan’s score of 299-5. Hasaranga tried his best scoring 59 off 52 balls (7 fours) but unfortunately for him, there was no support from the other end.

Most of the Sri Lankan batsmen got starts but never went on to make a substantial score till Hasaranga arrived at the crease. Sri Lanka began the run chase well with openers Pathum Nissanka (29) and debutant Kamil Mishara (38) posting 85 off 70 balls. But Haris Rauf’s initial spell brought Pakistan back into the contest. Rauf took the key wickets of Mishara, Kusal Mendis (0) and Nissanka within the space of five balls and after that Pakistan kept putting on the pressure and getting wickets.

Pakistan was in deep strife after losing their top four batsmen for 95 cheaply inside 25 overs. They could have been 95-5 had Sri Lanka not wasted their reviews earlier. Hussain Talat was out lbw to Wanindu Hasaranga in the 24th over before he had scored, but the lack of reviews helped him forge an innings-reviving partnership with his captain Salman Agha for the fifth wicket. The duo stitched a 138-run stand off 121 balls and did well to make up for the slow run rate during the first half of their innings.

On this surface Sri Lanka missed an extra seamer given the amount of help early on, but they were forced to use the medium pace of Janith Liyanage who went for 29 off his last 3 overs. That and the non-effectiveness of spin combined with excellent running between the wickets helped Pakistan recover from a tricky position. Player of the Match Agha moved on to a sublime century – 105* off 87 balls (9 fours), his second in ODIs and Mohammad Nawaz’s late burst, a lively 36* off 23 balls (5 fours, 1 six) saw Pakistan recover from 119 in 30 overs to surge to 299 scoring 180 in the final 20 overs giving them a healthier total than seemed likely earlier.

One thing Sri Lanka may regret was burning their reviews inside the first 11 overs.

The second ODI will take place tomorrow at the same venue.