Salman Agha’s Century and Haris Rauf’s Four-Wicket Spell Seal Pakistan Victory

Nail-Biter in Rawalpindi: Salman Agha’s Century and Haris Rauf’s Four-Wicket Spell Seal Pakistan Victory

Pakistan held their nerve in a thrilling finish at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, defeating Sri Lanka by a narrow margin of six runs to take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. The win was secured by a phenomenal batting rescue led by Salman Agha and a game-changing bowling performance from pace spearhead Haris Rauf.

Innings 1: Agha and Talat Rescue Pakistan

After being asked to bat, Pakistan struggled early, crawling to just 28 runs in the first ten overs and losing Saim Ayub. By the 24th over, the loss of Fakhar Zaman (32), Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam (29) left the team reeling at 95 for 4.

The innings was dramatically resurrected by Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat.

• The pair combined for a crucial century partnership, rotating strike effectively before accelerating sharply. Talat scored his maiden ODI fifty before falling for 62.
• Agha was relentless, completing his second ODI century and finishing unbeaten with a career-defining 105 runs.
• A final blitz by Agha and Mohammad Nawaz (36*) saw Pakistan smash 42 runs in the last three overs, pushing the final total to a formidable 299/5. Wanindu Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with three wickets.

Innings 2: Rauf Halts Sri Lanka’s Momentum

Chasing 300, Sri Lanka got a superb start, with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara building an 89-run opening stand. However, the positive momentum was violently halted by Haris Rauf.

• Rauf was the architect of the middle-order collapse, claiming two wickets in two balls (Mishara and Kusal Mendis). He returned to remove Sadeera Samarawickrama, completing a decisive spell that saw Sri Lanka slide from a strong position to 90/3.
• The late fight was led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who hit a crucial 59 off 52 balls, bringing the equation down to just 23 required off the final two overs.
• However, Hasaranga fell to Naseem Shah in the penultimate over. Despite a valiant effort by the tail, Pakistan held their nerve in the final six deliveries to secure the nail-biting six-run victory.

Brief Scores & Series Status

Star Performances: PAK: Salman Agha (105*) & Haris Rauf (4/61). SL: Wanindu Hasaranga (59 & 3 Wickets).

For full match analysis and the preview of the second ODI, visit the ultimate cricket destination: www.crickethighlights.online

Sources

Hindustan Times

Image credits : cricbuzz

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