RAWALPINDI: Pakistan edged past Sri Lanka by just six runs in a nail-biting finish to claim victory in the first match of the three-match ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
With the win, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the series.
Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan posted a solid total of 299 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs. Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha starred with an unbeaten 105 runs off 87 balls, anchoring the innings after early wickets fell.
He was well supported by Hussain Talat, who scored a fluent 62 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz, who added a quickfire 36 not out off 23 deliveries in the final overs.
Openers Fakhar Zaman (32) and Saim Ayub (6) provided a cautious start before both were dismissed within the first 20 overs. Captain Babar Azam made 29 runs, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan managed only 5.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets.
In reply, Sri Lanka fought hard but fell just short, finishing on 293 all out, six runs shy of the target. Despite several promising partnerships, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs to secure the win.
The remaining two ODIs will also be played in Rawalpindi, concluding on November 15, 2025. The series will be followed by a Tri-Nation Series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29.
