Pakistan won a nail-biting first ODI against Sri Lanka by 6 runs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 11, 2025. Salman Agha’s unbeaten century (105 off 87 balls) and Hussain Talat’s maiden ODI fifty (62 runs) helped Pakistan recover from 95-4 to post 299-5. Haris Rauf claimed 4 wickets for 61 runs to defend the total, despite a fighting knock from Wanindu Hasaranga.
This series marks the first bilateral ODI contest between the two nations in six years, with Pakistan having won the last series 2-0. The hosts continued their strong home form following a recent 2-1 series victory over South Africa.
Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 299 | 50.0 | 5 | Won by 6 runs |
| Sri Lanka | 293 | 50.0 | 9 | Lost by 6 runs |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Agha | Pakistan | All-rounder | 105* (87 balls, 9 fours) |
| Hussain Talat | Pakistan | All-rounder | 62 (63 balls, 6 fours) |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Pakistan | All-rounder | 36* (23 balls) |
| Haris Rauf | Pakistan | Bowler | 4/61 (10 overs) |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | All-rounder | 59 (52 balls) & 3/54 |
| Kamil Mishara | Sri Lanka | Batsman | 38 (36 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) |
Key Moments
- Wanindu Hasaranga dismantled Pakistan’s top order with three quick wickets, removing Fakhar Zaman (32), Babar Azam (29), and Mohammad Rizwan (5) in a devastating spell
- Salman Agha and Hussain Talat added 138 runs for the fifth wicket, rebuilding Pakistan’s innings with smart running between wickets rather than boundaries
- Pakistan smashed 104 runs in the final 10 overs, with Agha reaching his second ODI century with a single off his 83rd delivery
- Haris Rauf struck crucial blows in Sri Lanka’s chase, dismissing opener Kamil Mishara and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis in consecutive deliveries
- Sri Lanka’s chase fell short despite Hasaranga’s counterattacking 59 off 52 balls, as they finished at 293-9
Match Analysis
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to field first, expecting dew later in the night at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The decision initially looked promising as their bowlers restricted Pakistan to just 28 runs in the powerplay.
Pakistan’s middle-order partnership between Agha and Talat proved decisive. The pair focused on running hard between the wickets—Talat scored 32 of his 62 runs in singles and twos, while Agha ran 40 singles and 13 twos by the end of the innings. Their plan was clear: preserve wickets for the final assault, then launch in the death overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling resources were stretched thin as they lacked a genuine fifth bowling option. Part-timer Janith Liyanage was forced to bowl eight overs, conceding 48 runs, while captain Asalanka gave away 18 runs in just two overs. This allowed the Pakistani batsmen to settle and build their partnership comfortably.
In the chase, Sri Lanka started promisingly with openers adding runs quickly, but Haris Rauf’s hostile pace bowling changed the game. The Pakistani pace attack, led by Rauf and supported by Naseem Shah (2 wickets) and Faheem Ashraf (2 wickets), applied consistent pressure despite Hasaranga’s late heroics.
What’s Next
The second ODI will be played on November 13, 2025, at the same venue in Rawalpindi. Pakistan will look to clinch the series with another victory, while Sri Lanka needs to bounce back quickly to keep the series alive. The final ODI is scheduled for November 15 before both teams join Zimbabwe for a T20 tri-series starting November 19.
Pakistan’s victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and maintains their strong home record. Sri Lanka will need to regroup and find answers to Pakistan’s aggressive lower-middle order batting and pace-bowling attack if they want to level the series.