Salman Agha’s 105* knock guides Pakistan’s victory over Sri Lanka:Beat Lanka by 6 runs in 1st ODI amid blast in Rawalpindi; Haris Rauf bags 4 wickets in 10 overs

n an exciting opening match of the three-match ODI series at Rawalpindi, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 runs to take a 1-0 lead. The home team held their nerves in the final overs to seal victory in a game that went down to the wire. Chasing a target of 300 runs, Sri Lanka managed 293 for 9 in their 50 overs. Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s hero with the ball, taking 4 crucial wickets, while Salman Agha starred with the bat, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 103 off 83 balls. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was outstanding with 4 wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf took one each. With this thrilling win, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, setting the stage for another exciting contest in the upcoming games. Pakistan recover after early wickets, Salman slams 105* runs After losing the toss, Pakistan were invited to bat first but had a shaky start. Opener Saim Ayub fell early for just 6 runs, followed by Fakhar Zaman (32) and Babar Azam (29), who could not convert their starts into big scores. However, Pakistan’s middle order came to the rescue. Salman Agha and Hussain Talat stitched together a crucial 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket, steadying the innings and putting Pakistan in a commanding position. Talat played a solid knock of 58 runs, while Agha remained unbeaten with a century. In the last 10 overs, Pakistan accelerated well, adding 104 runs. Mohammad Nawaz provided a quick finish, scoring 36 not out off 23 balls with 5 fours and a six. Among Sri Lankan bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the lot, claiming 3 wickets for 54 runs, while Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana picked one each. Sri Lanka’s strong start fades away, Rauf bags 4 wickets Sri Lanka began their chase confidently. Openers Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamindu Mendis built an impressive 80-run partnership, putting pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers. But Haris Rauf turned the game around with a fiery spell, dismissing both Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis on consecutive balls. From 85 for no loss, Sri Lanka suddenly slipped to 90 for 3. Later, Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama tried to rebuild, but Shaheen Afridi’s sharp delivery and a superb catch from Babar Azam broke their stand. Wanindu Hasaranga fought back bravely with a fine 59 off 52 balls, keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt. However, his dismissal in the final overs tilted the match in Pakistan’s favour. Despite a few late boundaries from Maheesh Theekshana, Sri Lanka fell short by 6 runs.