RAWALPINDI – Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six runs in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday to go one up in the three-match series.
Chasing a decent 300-run target for victory, Pathum Nissanka (29) and Kamil Mishra (38) provided a solid start with an 85-run opening partnership.
Haris Rauf brought Pakistan back in the game with three quick wickets. Sadeera Samarawickrama (39), skipper Charith Asalanka (32) and Janith Liyanage (28) steadied the ship, but Sri Lanka lost wickets at crucial stages.
Wanindu Hasaranga (59) and Maheesh Theekshana (21) provided some hope to the visitors later on. But Pakistan bowlers kept their nerves to restrict Sri Lanka to 293/9 in their 50 overs.
Haris Rauf bagged four wickets and Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf two each, while Mohammad Nawaz got one wicket. Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the bat.
After being put into bat by Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka, Pakistan reached 299/5 in their allocated 50 overs.
Salman Ali Agha was the highest scorer for the green shirts with an unbeaten 105 off 87 balls, laced with nine boundaries. Hussain Talat contributed a valuable 62 off 63 balls in the middle overs, hitting four fours and one maximum.
Mohammad Nawaz made a rapid 36 off 23 balls with the help of five fours and one maximum to help his side set a competitive total. Fakhar Zaman made 32 off 55 balls with the help of two fours and one maximum. Babar Azam contributed 29 off 51 balls, hitting three boundaries.
Wanindu Hasaranga bagged three wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana took one wicket apiece.
Pakistan Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Haris Rauf, Nasseem Shah
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (capt), Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chameera, Hameesh Theekshana, Asitha
