Rawalpindi, November 11, 2025 – Pakistan claimed a thrilling six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Rawalpindi on Tuesday, with Salman Ali Agha’s stunning century and Haris Rauf’s fiery spell sealing the win for the hosts.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 299 for five in 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 107 off 87 balls by Salman Agha. He anchored the innings after early setbacks, forging a 138-run partnership with Hussain Talat, who struck his maiden ODI fifty. Mohammad Nawaz added crucial late runs to push Pakistan close to 300. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga impressed with three wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando took one each.
Chasing 300, Sri Lanka began strongly, with Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara adding 85 runs for the opening stand. However, Pakistan fought back as the visitors stumbled from 85 for 0 to 90 for 3 after losing key wickets, including captain Kusal Mendis for a golden duck.
Skipper Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage revived the chase briefly, but Babar Azam’s sharp catch turned the tide. Despite Hasaranga’s valiant 59, Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short at 293 all out, with Rauf claiming four wickets and Naseem Shah striking crucial blows at the death.
The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next game set to be another intense encounter between the two sides.