Pakistan Edge Out Sri Lanka in a Heart-Stopping Thriller at Rawalpindi
In one of the most gripping One-Day Internationals of recent times, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by just six runs in the first ODI at Rawalpindi on November 11, 2025. The match had everything a cricket fan could ask for — classy batting, fiery pace bowling, tense moments, and an electrifying atmosphere. Haris Rauf emerged as the hero for Pakistan, claiming four crucial wickets to seal a victory that could easily have slipped away.
A Crucial Toss and a Challenging Pitch
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that seemed sensible given the slight grass cover and moisture on the pitch. Early movement was expected under overcast conditions, and Sri Lanka’s pacers were eager to exploit it. The Rawalpindi surface has often provided assistance to seamers in the first hour, but it also rewards batsmen who show patience and discipline.
Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, came into the match with renewed confidence after a solid home season. However, the start didn’t go as planned for the hosts. Fakhar Zaman fell cheaply to Dushmantha Chameera, edging to slip while trying to drive on the up. Saim Ayub showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t convert his start. When Babar Azam was dismissed for 24 after an uncharacteristic loose shot, Pakistan were wobbling at 95 for 4.
Salman Agha and Hussain Talat Lead the Fightback
Just when Pakistan seemed in danger of folding for a below-par total, Salman Agha and Hussain Talat stood tall. The pair displayed composure, maturity, and smart shot selection. Their partnership of 138 runs changed the momentum completely. Salman, who has quietly become one of Pakistan’s most consistent middle-order performers, played a near-perfect innings. His timing, placement, and rotation of strike kept the scoreboard ticking, while Talat complemented him beautifully with aggressive intent.
Salman reached his second ODI century in style, pulling Chameera over midwicket for a boundary. His 104 off 118 balls was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s innings. Hussain Talat’s 67 off 74 balls ensured that the pressure stayed on Sri Lanka. The lower order, including Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, added some quick runs in the final overs, pushing Pakistan’s total to a competitive 299 for 5.
Sri Lanka’s Bowlers Toil Hard
Sri Lanka’s bowlers started well but couldn’t maintain consistency through the middle overs. Wanindu Hasaranga, the leg-spinning all-rounder, was once again the pick of the bowlers. He claimed 3 wickets for 54 runs, troubling Pakistan’s batsmen with his variations. The seamers, however, were inconsistent. Maheesh Theekshana was economical but went wicketless, while Chameera and Asitha Fernando leaked runs towards the end.
Despite conceding nearly 300, Sri Lanka would have fancied their chances. The pitch had flattened out, and dew was expected to make bowling harder in the second innings.
Sri Lanka Start Positively
Chasing 300 to win, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara looked assured against Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, rotating strike and finding gaps with ease. The pair added 63 runs for the first wicket before Mishara was bowled by a sharp in-swinger from Naseem.
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama carried the innings forward, playing fluently against both pace and spin. At 150 for 2 in 27 overs, Sri Lanka seemed in control. The required rate was under six, and Pakistan’s fielders were starting to feel the pressure.
Enter Haris Rauf: The Game-Changer
And then came the moment Pakistan fans will remember for a long time. Shaheen introduced Haris Rauf back into the attack, and the game turned on its head. Rauf’s raw pace and aggression unsettled the Sri Lankan middle order. His first breakthrough came when Mendis mistimed a pull shot, top-edging to deep square leg. In his next over, Rauf removed the dangerous Asalanka with a fiery short ball that took the glove on its way to the keeper.
Haris wasn’t done yet. He bowled with unrelenting pace, mixing yorkers and bouncers beautifully. His third wicket came when Hasaranga tried to heave across the line and found deep midwicket. Then, in a dramatic moment, he uprooted Chameera’s off stump with a 149 km/h thunderbolt. Rawalpindi erupted — Haris Rauf had turned the game around almost single-handedly.
Sri Lanka’s Lower Order Fights Back
Even with Rauf’s brilliance, Sri Lanka refused to go down quietly. Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis added vital runs, keeping the visitors within touching distance. When Sri Lanka needed 40 runs off the last five overs with two wickets in hand, the match was still wide open.
Shaheen Afridi brought back his experience to close out the innings. His control in the final overs was exceptional. Despite a few boundaries from Theekshana, the asking rate kept climbing. Naseem Shah bowled a nervy but effective penultimate over, leaving Sri Lanka needing 10 runs from the last over.
With the crowd on its feet, Shaheen bowled the final over. A single, a dot, and then a run-out — the tension was unbearable. The last pair tried to swing for the fences, but Shaheen’s yorker proved too good. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 293 in 49.5 overs — just six runs short of Pakistan’s total.
Haris Rauf: The Hero of Rawalpindi
Haris Rauf finished with figures of 4 for 47 — a performance full of heart, fire, and control. His ability to strike when it mattered most made all the difference. Salman Agha, with his century, and Hussain Talat, with his crucial support, also played vital roles, but Rauf’s spell was the turning point.
He was deservedly named Player of the Match. In the post-match presentation, Rauf credited his fitness and hard work, saying, “The crowd in Rawalpindi gives me energy. I wanted to bowl fast and attack, and I’m happy I could help Pakistan win.”
A Perfect Start to the Series
This victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. More importantly, it shows the team’s resilience — recovering from early setbacks with the bat and holding their nerve in crunch moments with the ball. For Shaheen Afridi, it was a proud moment as captain. His bowling changes were sharp, and his calm presence in the field inspired confidence.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, can take plenty of positives. Their batting depth was impressive, and young players like Mishara and Kamindu Mendis showed promise. But they’ll regret letting Pakistan’s middle order escape after an early collapse. Their bowling, especially in the death overs, will need tightening ahead of the second ODI.
Looking Ahead
The next match, scheduled for Lahore, promises another exciting contest. Pakistan will look to seal the series, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back strongly. If the first ODI was any indication, cricket fans are in for a thrilling series.
Final Score Summary
Pakistan: 299/5 (50 overs)
- Salman Agha – 104 (118)
- Hussain Talat – 67 (74)
- Hasaranga – 3/54
Sri Lanka: 293 all out (49.5 overs)
- Kusal Mendis – 65 (70)
- Pathum Nissanka – 54 (61)
- Haris Rauf – 4/47
Result: Pakistan won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Haris Rauf
Pakistan’s narrow win in Rawalpindi will be remembered not just for the result, but for the fight, emotion, and excitement it delivered. It was a reminder of why cricket remains Pakistan’s greatest passion — unpredictable, exhilarating, and full of heart.
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