RAWALPINDI: Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series after a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka by 6 runs in the opening match.
Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 300 runs, fell short and scored 293 runs in their innings.The match was played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first.
Pakistan posted a competitive total of 299 runs for 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Salman Agha played a match-winning unbeaten innings of 105 runs.
Pakistan’s Innings:
The national team opened with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, but Saim was dismissed for 6 runs in the fourth over. Fakhar Zaman also fell, scoring 32 off 55 balls, bringing Pakistan to 76 runs for the loss of three wickets.
Mohammad Rizwan scored 5 runs and Babar Azam contributed 29, but both were dismissed.
In a crucial partnership, Hussain Talat and Salman Agha added valuable runs, taking the team’s score to 233. Hussain Talat scored 62 before being dismissed.
Salman Agha, however, remained steadfast and scored a magnificent century, hitting 105 runs off 87 balls.
In the closing overs, Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with a quickfire 36* off 23 balls, helping Pakistan reach a total of 299 for 5 wickets.
Sri Lanka’s bowling was led by Vinoo Hasaranga, who took 3 wickets.
It is noteworthy that the ODI series against Sri Lanka is being held in Rawalpindi from today until November 15. Additionally, from November 17 to 29, a tri-nation series will take place, involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
