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Pakistan seized a thrilling victory against Sri Lanka in the opening ODI of their three-match series at Rawalpindi, winning by six runs in a match marked by Salman Agha’s brilliant century and Wanindu Hasaranga’s dynamic all-round display that earned widespread fan appreciation despite Sri Lanka’s narrow defeat.
Salman Agha’s dazzling century anchors Pakistan in the 1st ODI
In the high-stakes clash at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan opted to bat first on a lively surface and were immediately tested by Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. Opener Saim Ayub fell early, but Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam consolidated with patient contributions. The innings truly sprang to life when Salman Agha arrived at the crease—the right-hander mixed grit with flair, countering Hasaranga’s clever variations and Maheesh Theekshana’s probing spells.
Salman’s knock was a lesson in calculated aggression. He reached his fifty in just 52 balls and accelerated superbly in the final powerplay, unfurling crisp drives and clever placements as Sri Lanka struggled to stem the flow. Hussain Talat offered solid support with a brisk 62 off 63 deliveries, forming a crucial 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Salman’s unbeaten 105 from 87 balls featured nine boundaries and propelled Pakistan to 299/5, with Mohammad Nawaz smashing a quickfire 36 off 23 to finish strongly. The hosts benefited from 24 extras as well, and Salman was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning ton.
Wanindu Hasaranga shines despite Sri Lanka’s heartbreak
Chasing a steep 300-run target, Sri Lanka’s reply was marked by early aggression as Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara rattled off a rapid 85 for the opening stand, aided in part by Pakistan’s wayward bowling that yielded a whopping 18 extras within the first seven overs. However, Haris Rauf’s fiery spell, which included three wickets in quick succession, shifted momentum back towards Pakistan.
Sri Lanka continued to stay in contention through determined stands from Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, but it was Hasaranga’s performance that caught the eye and won the hearts of fans. With the ball, Hasaranga was the visitor’s trump card, claiming 3 wickets for 54 runs that included Azam and Zaman, derailing Pakistan’s middle order when they threatened to surge. Later, with Sri Lanka faltering at 210/7, Hasaranga revived their hopes with an explosive 59 off 52 balls—smashing seven boundaries in a counter-attacking cameo that gave the visitors a sniff until the final overs.
Though Naseem Shah dismissed Hasaranga late in the chase, Sri Lanka fought on, with Maheesh Theekshana’s unbeaten 21 adding late drama. Yet Pakistan held their nerve, restricting Sri Lanka to 293/9 in 50 overs and sealing a six-run victory. Hasaranga’s spirited all-round effort—three wickets and a fighting fifty—prompted fans on social media to hail his match-defining impact and fighting spirit, noting that he almost turned the game on its head single-handedly.
Pakistan now lead the series 1-0, but Hasaranga’s gutsy display ensures the visitors have momentum and belief heading into the second ODI. As the tour unfolds, his stellar show promises more gripping contests ahead. Fans and experts alike lauded Hasaranga as Sri Lanka’s MVP in a fiercely fought opener.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Heartbreak for Wanindu Hasaranga! 💔
He almost pulled off a remarkable victory against Pakistan, single-handedly keeping Sri Lanka in the match till the end.
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01)
All-Round brilliance from Wanindu Hasaranga! ❤️
3/54 with the Ball and 59 with the Bat, Fought Hard But Had No Support At the Other End. 😔
— devendra kumar (@devendr72755133)
A blitzy 52 ball 59 with the bat, and 3/54 with ball in hand.
Wanindu Hasaranga really didn't deserve to be on the losing side today.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango)
Heartbreak for Wanindu Hasaranga! 💔
He almost pulled off a remarkable victory against Pakistan, single-handedly keeping Sri Lanka in the match till the end.
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01)
That was a good fighting knock by Wanindu Hasaranga. Single Handedly Kept Sri Lanka in the match till the end
— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel)
Brilliant batting by Wanindu Hasaranga!
— Mr.Shakeel (@adeellatif123)
– Held your head high. Yes you can't finish the game but what an effort, what an innings this was. Wanindu Hasaranga is out after scoring a fighting 59 off 52
— Criclytics (@Criclytics_1)
🚨Fifty for Wanindu Hasaranga. Can he take Sri Lanka over the line?
— usman (@Cricbyusman)
Salman Ali Agha has joined this ELITE list:
Mark Waugh … Saeed Anwar … Gary Kirsten .. Sachin Tendulkar … Babar Azam …
Terrific innings – paced the game beautifully— Shahmeer Aslam (@ApkaShahmeer)
Pakistan won by 6 runs and go 1-0 up in the series 🏏
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
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