Rawalpindi, November 11,2025: Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat staged a strong fightback as Pakistan posted a competitive 299 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the first One Day International (ODI) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Agha produced a match-defining unbeaten century, scoring 105 off 87 balls with nine boundaries, while Talat contributed a solid 62 off 63 deliveries, lifting Pakistan from a precarious 95-4 in the 24th over to a position of strength.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the pressure on early, making scoring difficult for the Pakistani top order. Saim Ayub (6) was the first to fall to Asitha Fernando, leaving Pakistan reeling at 14-1.
Captain Babar Azam (29) and Fakhar Zaman (32) tried to rebuild, but Wanindu Hasaranga triggered a collapse by removing both batters and Muhammad Rizwan (5) in quick succession.
At 95-4, Pakistan looked in trouble until Agha and Talat combined for a crucial 138-run fifth-wicket partnership, stabilising the innings and shifting momentum back to the hosts. The stand was finally broken in the 44th over when Maheesh Theekshana trapped Talat leg-before.
In the closing overs, Agha accelerated brilliantly, while Mohammad Nawaz provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 36 off 23 balls, including five fours and a six.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 54, while Theekshana and Fernando claimed a wicket apiece.
Pakistan’s total of 299 sets Sri Lanka a target of 300 to win the opening match of the three-match ODI series.
