By Asif Naveed
RAWALPINDI: Salman Ali Agha’s fighting century and Haris Rauf’s fiery four-wicket haul helped Pakistan clinch a thrilling six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.
After Pakistan were struggling at 95 for four, Salman played a match-saving unbeaten innings of 105, while Hussain Talat contributed a career-best 62, lifting Pakistan to a competitive 299 for five.
Mohammad Nawaz added a quickfire 36 not out as Pakistan finished strong despite early setbacks against Wanindu Hasaranga’s leg-spin, who took 3 for 54.
In reply, Sri Lanka started confidently with openers Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara racing to 75 without loss in 10 overs.
However, Haris Rauf’s fiery spell turned the game around. He dismissed Mishara and Kusal Mendis in consecutive deliveries before removing Nissanka with a brilliant seaming delivery. Babar Azam’s sharp catch in the slips helped Haris bag his fourth wicket, dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka and Hasaranga kept hopes alive with fluent knocks, but Asalanka fell while attempting to accelerate, and Hasaranga’s brave 56 off 48 balls wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka fell short by six runs.
Hussain Talat held his nerve in the final over, defending 21 runs to secure Pakistan’s narrow win and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
