Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Highlights: Ton-up Salman Agha, Haris Rauf star as PAK register nervy 6-run win

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Highlights: Pakistan edged past Sri Lanka by six runs in a nail-biting first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, thanks to a superb all-round effort. Salman Agha anchored the innings with a resilient century after early setbacks, steering Pakistan to a competitive total of 299/5. Sri Lanka’s chase began brightly, but Haris Rauf’s fiery spell — including four wickets — turned the tide. Captain Babar Azam’s stunning catch to dismiss Sadeera Samarawickrama and Mohammad Nawaz’s timely breakthrough against Charith Asalanka tightened Pakistan’s grip late in the game.

Earlier, Pakistan found themselves reeling after Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga ripped through the top order, dismissing Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam. However, Salman’s composure under pressure and crucial partnerships down the order helped the visitors post a formidable total that ultimately proved just enough.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who made a good start to his second stint as the Pakistan captain with the ODI series win over South Africa, will look to maintain the winning momentum in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The series against the Proteas was Shaheen's first assignment as the ODI captain. When it comes to live telecast and streaming details, the first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka won't be broadcast on any TV channel in India, but live streaming will be available on the official YouTube channel of Sports TV.

When it comes to the head-to-head record between the two teams, Pakistan has the upper hand after winning 93 out of 157 encounters. On the other hand, Sri Lanka came out on top on 59 occasions, with one match ending in a tie and four matches ending without a result.

When it comes to the games in Pakistan, out of 30 matches, the hosts have won 18 times as compared to Sri Lanka's 12. The last bilateral series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Pakistan took place six years ago in 2019, and the hosts emerged victorious by a margin of 2-0.

Among Pakistan's current squad, Babar Azam has an impressive record against Sri Lanka, scoring 535 runs in 12 matches at an average of 53.50, including three centuries and one half-century.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando