Pakistan edge Sri Lanka by 6 runs in first Rawalpindi ODI
Cricket
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in a nail-biting first ODI at Rawalpindi, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Pakistan on Tuesday clinched a six-run victory over Sri Lanka in a gripping first One Day International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match Bank Alfalah ODI Series 2025 presented by KFC.
Chasing a challenging target of 300, Sri Lanka fell just short, finishing at 293 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.
Haris Rauf’s early breakthroughs set the tone as the right-arm pacer dismantled the top order, claiming four wickets for just 41 runs. Despite a valiant 59-run effort by Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka could not cross the finishing line.
Winning start to the series for Pakistan!
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2025
An impactful spell from @HarisRauf14 and a crucial penultimate over by @iNaseemShah seal a six-run win #PAKvSL | #JeetKaScene | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/WZhQwaCsdl
Pakistan’s innings
Opting to bat first after being invited, Pakistan posted 299 for five in their 50 overs. Openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman started cautiously before Saim fell for six with the score at 14. Fakhar added 32 before being dismissed, while captain Babar Azam contributed 29.
The innings was steadied by Agha Salman, who played a sublime knock of 105 not out – his second ODI century – displaying remarkable composure after Pakistan were reeling at 95 for four. He was well supported by Hussain Talat, who struck an impressive 62, and Mohammad Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 36.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Mahesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando took one apiece.
Sri Lanka’s reply
Sri Lanka’s chase began steadily with Pathum Nissanka (29) and Kamil Mishara (38) putting up 56 for the first wicket before Rauf’s fiery spell rattled the innings. Kusal Mendis was dismissed for a duck, and Sadeera Samarawickrama added 39 before falling to Rauf as well.
Charith Asalanka scored 32, while middle-order batter Janith Liyanage contributed 28, but regular wickets restricted the visitors’ momentum. Hasaranga’s 59 off 52 balls kept hopes alive until he was caught by Babar Azam off Naseem Shah.
Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf took two wickets each, complementing Rauf’s pace assault. Sri Lanka eventually closed at 293 for nine, handing Pakistan a hard-fought victory.
Squads
Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.
