Thriller in Rawalpindi: Salman Agha Ton Guides Pakistan to Narrow Win Over Sri Lanka
Rawalpindi, November 12, 2025 — Pakistan clinched a thrilling six-run victory against Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium yesterday, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan knocked 299 but the Sri Lankan chase ended at 293. The match, which went down to the final over, was a brilliant showcase of resilience from Pakistan’s middle order and a late, valiant fightback from Sri Lanka’s lower order.
A magnificent unbeaten century by Salman Ali Agha, who was rightfully named the Player of the Match, proved to be the difference-maker.
The Pakistan Innings: Agha’s Masterclass Rescues Hosts
After Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl, Pakistan’s top order crumbled against a spirited Lankan attack, particularly the spin of Wanindu Hasaranga. Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 95 for 4 in the 24th over, having lost key batsmen Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam cheaply.
However, the innings was rebuilt by a superb 138-run partnership between Salman Agha and the returning Hussain Talat. Agha played a mature knock, anchoring the innings with a spectacular 105 not out off 87 balls, studded with nine boundaries. Talat, playing a perfect supporting role, contributed a timely 62 off 63 balls for his maiden ODI fifty. A late flourish from Mohammad Nawaz (36 off 23 balls) propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 299/5 in their allotted 50 overs.
Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 54 runs.
| Pakistan Batting | Runs (Balls) | Fielder/Bowler | Dismissal |
| Fakhar Zaman | 32 (55) | st Kusal Mendis b Hasaranga | Out |
| Saim Ayub | 6 (14) | lbw b Asitha Fernando | Out |
| Babar Azam | 29 (51) | b Wanindu Hasaranga | Out |
| Mohammad Rizwan (wk) | 5 (8) | lbw b Wanindu Hasaranga | Out |
| Salman Agha | 105 (87) | – | Not Out |
| Hussain Talat | 62 (63) | lbw b Maheesh Theekshana | Out |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 36 (23) | – | Not Out |
| Extras | 24 (1b, 9lb, 1nb, 13w) | ||
| TOTAL (5 wickets, 50 Overs) | 299 |
| Sri Lanka Bowling | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
| Asitha Fernando | 10 | 2 | 42 | 1 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 10 | 1 | 63 | 0 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 10 | 0 | 64 | 1 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 10 | 0 | 54 | 3 |
The Sri Lanka Chase: Hasaranga’s Heroics Fall Short
Sri Lanka’s chase started brightly with an 85-run opening stand between Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara. However, the introduction of pace spearhead Haris Rauf changed the complexion of the game. Rauf triggered a massive collapse, dismissing Mishara and Kusal Mendis (for a golden duck) in consecutive deliveries. The Lankans quickly slipped to 90/3, with Rauf claiming the third wicket of Pathum Nissanka shortly after.
Despite a solid rebuild effort from Charith Asalanka (32) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (39), the middle order could not sustain the momentum against a disciplined Pakistani attack. Haris Rauf completed a superb four-wicket haul, and a stunning catch by Babar Azam at slip to dismiss Samarawickrama proved a pivotal moment.
The game looked over until all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga launched an astonishing late assault, smashing a powerful 57 off just 48 balls to bring the target within reach. Needing 17 runs off the final over, Hasaranga’s heroics, which included two boundaries, ultimately fell short as the visitors finished at 293/9.
| Sri Lanka Batting | Runs (Balls) | Fielder/Bowler | Dismissal |
| Kamil Mishara | 30 (37) | c Mohammad Rizwan b Haris Rauf | Out |
| Pathum Nissanka | 29 (39) | c Shaheen Afridi b Haris Rauf | Out |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 0 (1) | b Haris Rauf | Out |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 39 (48) | c Babar Azam b Faheem Ashraf | Out |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 32 (49) | st Mohammad Rizwan b Mohammad Nawaz | Out |
| Janith Liyanage | 28 (24) | b Naseem Shah | Out |
| Kamindu Mendis | 9 (14) | c Faheem Ashraf b Haris Rauf | Out |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 57 (48) | c & b Faheem Ashraf | Out |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 13 (22) | – | Not Out |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 9 (12) | – | Not Out |
| Extras | 31 (2b, 15lb, 1nb, 13w) | ||
| TOTAL (9 wickets, 50 Overs) | 293 |
| Pakistan Bowling | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | 0 | 50 | 0 |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 1 | 55 | 2 |
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 0 | 61 | 4 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 10 | 0 | 49 | 2 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 8 | 0 | 48 | 1 |
| Hussain Talat | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
⭐ Player of the Match
Salman Ali Agha was awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding 105 off 87 balls*, which pulled Pakistan from the brink of a major collapse and set up a winning total.
The series now moves to the second ODI, also at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, on Thursday, November 13.
