Despite Wanindu Hasaranga’s heroics, Sri Lanka fall short in a tense six-run defeat.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha scored a brilliant unbeaten century, and Haris Rauf took four crucial wickets as Pakistan eked out a six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Chasing a competitive target of 300, Sri Lanka started brightly, with the opening pair Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara forging a promising partnership. However, once Rauf struck key early wickets, the visitors began to falter.

Salman Agha’s masterful 105 off 87 balls, his second ODI century, was complemented by Hussain Talat’s 62, lifting Pakistan from a precarious 95 for four to a challenging total. Agha was named Player of the Match for his exceptional innings. He praised the partnership with Talat, saying it set the tone for Pakistan’s aggressive batting in the latter half of the innings.

Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga tried to keep the visitors in the chase, claiming 3 for 54, but wickets continued to tumble around him. Despite a spirited effort, including a late surge, Sri Lanka fell short of the target.

Earlier, Fakhar Zaman (32) and Babar Azam (29) laid the foundation, but it was Hasaranga who shook Pakistan’s middle order, dismissing Zaman, Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan in a destructive 16-ball spell. Pakistan’s lower order, including Mohammad Nawaz (36 not out), accelerated scoring in the final overs, adding 104 in the last 10 overs alongside Agha.

Sri Lanka’s innings had a brief spark from Hasaranga, but the lack of support from other batsmen led to their collapse. Rauf’s incisive bowling proved decisive in defending Pakistan’s total.

The match went ahead despite a suicide attack in Islamabad, killing at least 12 people. The Pakistan Cricket Board increased security for the visiting Sri Lankan team in response to the attack.

Pakistan now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0, setting the stage for a tense second match.