Pak vs SL 1st ODI: Pakistan Win by 6 Runs
Pakistan posted a competitive total of 299 in the opening One Day International against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, anchored by a composed century from middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bowl first on a lively Rawalpindi pitch.
Pakistan’s innings began shakily as opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for 6 by Asitha Fernando in the fifth over.
Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam steadied the innings with a 54-run partnership.
Zaman was dismissed for 32 while attempting a big shot over Wanindu Hasaranga, and Babar fell shortly after for 29.
Mohammad Rizwan managed just 5 runs, leaving Pakistan struggling for momentum.
Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat then rebuilt the innings with a steady partnership. Salman scored an unbeaten 105, marking his first ODI century, while Talat contributed a valuable 62.
Mohammad Nawaz added 36 runs to help Pakistan reach a strong total before the innings concluded.
Sri Lanka fought back with Wanindu Hasaranga top-scoring with 59, but the team was unable to secure victory, with Charith Asalanka scoring 32 and Kusal Mendis dismissed for a duck.
Naseem Shah eventually claimed Hasaranga’s wicket to seal Pakistan’s win.
Salman Ali Agha Scores Century
Salman Ali Agha scored a century against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Pak vs SL 1st ODI.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka First ODI
Charith Asalanka said the possibility of dew later in the evening influenced the decision, while Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi also expected a high-scoring game.
Pakistan made one change from their last ODI win over South Africa, with Naseem Shah replacing the ill Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka handed an ODI debut to Kamil Mishara, with Wanindu Hasaranga also included, while Janith Liyanage and the injured Dilshan Madushanka were left out.
The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to favour high scores, with chasing sides having won the last three games and dew likely under lights.
Sri Lanka Won Toss
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first in the first ODI against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, marking their first bilateral series in Pakistan since 2019.
