A brilliant century from Salman Ali Agha, supported by a decisive four-wicket spell from Haris Rauf, helped Pakistan clinch a tense six-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI here in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 300, Sri Lanka fought hard but were restricted to 293/9 despite a spirited half-century from Wanindu Hasaranga.
The all-rounder top-scored with 59 off 52 balls, and kept the visitors in the hunt until he fell to Naseem Shah with 21 runs still required from nine deliveries.
Sri Lanka had earlier built their chase around contributions from Sadeera Samarawickrama (39), debutant Kamil Mishara (38), and captain Charith Asalanka (32), but none were able to convert their starts into a match-defining innings.
Pakistan’s bowling attack held their nerve in the closing overs, led by Haris Rauf who finished with 4/49 from his 10 overs. Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah also picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one.
