PAK vs SL (1st ODI) – Highlights
Pakistan produced a thrilling performance in the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi, edging out the visitors by a narrow margin of six runs in a pulsating encounter. Chasing a competitive target of 300, Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short at 293 for nine, with Pakistan’s middle-order heroics proving decisive. The match was a display of high-quality batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, reflecting the competitive spirit both sides brought to the series opener.
PAK innings got off to a cautious start as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub attempted to lay a solid foundation. Fakhar looked in good touch, scoring 32 runs from 55 balls before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga, while Ayub managed only six runs. Babar Azam, usually the anchor for Pakistan, contributed 29 runs but could not convert it into a substantial innings, falling to Hasaranga as well. Mohammad Rizwan’s brief 5-run stay ended similarly at the hands of Hasaranga, putting Pakistan under early pressure.
The spotlight, however, shifted to Salman Agha, who delivered a masterclass under pressure. Anchoring the innings with composure and timing, he scored an unbeaten 105 off 87 deliveries, stabilizing the innings when Pakistan needed it most. Hussain Talat also played a crucial role, scoring 62 with a strike rate near 100, ensuring Pakistan could post a challenging total of 299 for five in their allotted fifty overs. Mohammad Nawaz’s quickfire 36 not out further boosted Pakistan’s score, highlighting the depth and resilience of their batting lineup. Extras also played a subtle but impactful role, contributing 24 runs, with wides accounting for 13.
SL’s reply started with promise as Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka forged a brief partnership, but Haris Rauf’s fiery spell changed the game. Rauf, finishing with four wickets, dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order, including the key wicket of Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka offered resistance with 39 and 32 respectively, but they lacked the sustained partnerships necessary to chase the target. Wanindu Hasaranga’s 59 from 52 balls kept Sri Lanka in the hunt, yet wickets at crucial intervals prevented them from taking control.
PAK bowling unit showed remarkable discipline. Haris Rauf spearheaded the attack with four wickets, while Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite conceding 50 runs in his ten overs, maintained pressure with tight lines. Pakistan’s ability to combine pace and spin, with Nawaz and Ashraf providing variation, proved pivotal in the run-chase scenario. Extras, though slightly costly for Sri Lanka, could not offset Pakistan’s consistent pressure and timely wickets.
The match ended in dramatic fashion with SL falling just six runs short of the target. Salman Agha’s unbeaten century earned him the Player of the Match award, a performance that will be remembered for its composure and impact under pressure. The victory not only gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series but also sets the tone for an exciting ODI contest ahead.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
Pakistan – 299/5 (50)
Sri Lanka – 293/9 (50)
Result – Pakistan won by 6 runs
Player of the Match – Salman Agha
Salman Agha
PAK vs SL Playing XIs
Pakistan | Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah |
Sri Lanka | Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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