Pakistan reached 299 runs in the first One Day International against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten century and Hussain Talat’s solid half-century powered the recovery after early setbacks.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack created consistent pressure after winning the toss and choosing to field. Their disciplined approach restricted Pakistan’s scoring throughout the initial power play.
Pakistan’s innings began cautiously against tight Sri Lankan bowling. Asitha Fernando claimed the first breakthrough, dismissing Saim Ayub with just 14 runs on the board. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman attempted to stabilise the innings amid challenging conditions. The scoring rate remained constrained, with Pakistan reaching only 28 runs after the initial ten overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s introduction proved decisive as the leg-spinner dismantled Pakistan’s top order. He first removed Fakhar Zaman for 32 runs, breaking the 68-run partnership. The Sri Lankan spinner continued his impactful spell by dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam in quick succession. Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 95-4 in the 24th over, requiring a significant partnership.
🏏 Innings Break 🏏
Pakistan post an imposing 299-5 in 50 overs with splendid contributions from Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, and Mohammad Nawaz 👏
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— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2025Agha and Talat Stage Remarkable Recovery
Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat responded with a crucial 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Both batsmen demonstrated composure and aggression to rebuild the innings effectively.
Talat eventually fell to Maheesh Theekshana after contributing 62 runs from 63 deliveries. His innings included six boundaries and one six before departing via leg-before-wicket decision.
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Salman Ali Agha continued his dominant performance, remaining unbeaten on 105 runs from 87 balls. His innings featured nine boundaries and anchored Pakistan’s total. Mohammad Nawaz provided valuable late innings support with an unbeaten 36 from just 23 deliveries. His aggressive cameo included five fours and one six, helping Pakistan approach the 300-run mark.
Sri Lanka have no answers to the @mnawaz94 onslaught 💥
Explosive cameo from the all-rounder 🏏
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— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2025Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the most successful Sri Lankan bowler, claiming three wickets for 54 runs in his complete ten-over quota. Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando each secured one wicket during their spells. The match featured full-strength lineups from both teams, with Pakistan fielding a balanced combination of experienced players and all-rounders. Sri Lanka’s team included their regular batting lineup and varied bowling attack for the series opener.
