A brilliant unbeaten century from Salman Agha and a maiden ODI half-century from Hussain Talat rescued Pakistan in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI at Rawalpindi. Their 138-run fifth-wicket stand helped the hosts recover from a poor start and post a competitive 299 for 5.
Agha and Talat Rebuild After Hasaranga’s Triple Strike
Pakistan were struggling at 95 for 4 when Agha and Talat joined forces. The pair steadied the innings, rotating strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. Their composed partnership carried Pakistan to 233 for 5 before Talat fell for 62.
Agha then shifted gears, bringing up his second ODI hundred off 83 balls. His confident strokeplay included a cheeky sweep off Dushmantha Chameera for four, followed by a flurry of boundaries in the closing overs. Partnering Mohammad Nawaz, who contributed a quick 36 not out from 23 balls, Agha guided Pakistan to an impressive finish. The duo added 66 runs in just 40 deliveries, helping Pakistan score 104 runs in the last ten overs of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI.
Hasaranga Dominates Early as Sri Lanka Apply Pressure
Sri Lanka had begun strongly with disciplined spells from Asitha Fernando and Chameera, restricting Pakistan to just 28 runs in the first ten overs. Wanindu Hasaranga then turned the momentum with a brilliant spell of 3 for 54.
He removed Fakhar Zaman for 32 after the left-hander charged down the track and missed a wide leg-break. Hasaranga followed that by trapping Mohammad Rizwan lbw and then bowling Babar Azam through the gate with a sharp googly. At that stage, Pakistan looked in serious trouble.
However, a missed lbw review against Talat proved costly. Replays showed the delivery would have hit leg stump, but with both reviews wasted earlier, Sri Lanka had no recourse. From that point, Pakistan regained control.
Pakistan Finish Strong Despite Early Struggles
Once settled, Agha and Talat rotated the strike beautifully. Over half their runs came through quick singles and doubles, frustrating Sri Lanka’s bowlers. The absence of a proper fifth bowling option also hurt the visitors as Janith Liyanage had to complete eight overs, conceding 48 runs.
Although Talat fell before the end, Agha ensured Pakistan finished the innings strongly. His unbeaten 105* anchored the innings, giving Pakistan a total that could prove tricky on a surface expected to assist batters under dew later.
As the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI heads into the chase, all eyes will be on how Sri Lanka respond to the pressure of a 300-run target on a true batting pitch.
