- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):Pakistan outplayed Sri Lanka by six runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on late Tuesday.
Put into bat first, Salman Ali Agha smashed a brilliant century as Pakistan posted a competitive total of 299 for 5. Agha, scored an unbeaten 105 runs off 87 deliveries (second ODI century), featuring nine 4s. He was ably supported by Hussain Talat, who scored 62 runs off 63 balls, as the pair put on a crucial 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a slow start, with the top order struggling against Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Saim Ayub (6) and Fakhar Zaman (32) were dismissed early, followed by Mohammad Rizwan (5) and Babar Azam (29). However, Agha and Talat steadied the ship, taking Pakistan past the 200-run mark. Mohammad Nawaz remained 36 not out.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga took three wickets for 54 runs, while Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando took one wicket each.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s openers provided a solid start with an 85-run partnership for the first wicket, setting a promising platform for the visitors.
Kamil Mishara was the first to depart, scoring 38 off 36 balls, before Haris Rauf struck twice in quick succession, removing Kusal Mendis for a duck and then dismissing Pathum Nissanka for 29.
Rauf continued his fiery spell, claiming his fourth wicket when Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made a well-compiled 39 from 48 deliveries with six boundaries, edged to first slip where Babar Azam took a stunning one-handed catch. Samarawickrama and skipper Charith Asalanka had earlier added 57 runs for the fourth wicket.
Asalanka’s steady innings of 32 came to an end when he was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan off Mohammad Nawaz’s bowling. Janith Liyanage contributed 28 before being bowled by Naseem Shah, while Kamindu Mendis (9) fell to Faheem Ashraf. Dushmantha Chameera (7) was also dismissed by Ashraf, who claimed his second wicket of the innings, leaving Sri Lanka at 250 for 8 after 45 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive with an aggressive 59 off 52 balls, including seven boundaries, but his dismissal to Naseem Shah in the closing overs dented the visitors’ chase. Shah picked up his second wicket, ensuring a thrilling finish.
Maheesh Theekshana (21) and Asitha Fernando (0) remained unbeaten as Sri Lanka finished on 293 for 9 after 50 overs, falling just six runs short of the target. The player of the match was Salman Ali Agha.